Secular Trends of Ascariasis Infestation and Nutritional Status in Chinese Children From 2000 to 2014: Evidence From 4 Successive National Surveys.
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ABSTRACT: Background:This study aimed to assess secular trends and epidemiological status of ascariasis infestations and to explore its effects on the nutritional transition among Chinese children from 2000 to 2014. Methods:Data were collected from 69 435 Chinese children aged 7-year-olds and 9-year-olds in 4 successive cross-sectional surveys of Chinese National Survey on Students' Constitution and Health. Ascariasis infestation was defined by using the Kato-Katz method. Nutritional status was classified into stunting, thinness, overweight, and obesity by WHO definition. Results:From 2000 to 2014, the ascariasis infestation rates decreased from 9.1% to 1.7%, the stunting and thinness prevalence decreased from 4.3% and 13.8% to 0.7% and 7.1%, while the overweight and obesity prevalence increased from 3.6% and 2.1% to 9.8% and 9.1%, respectively. Compared to children in the ascariasis noninfestation group, those infected with ascariasis had a worse nutritional status. Yet, the disparity in nutritional status between 2 groups disappeared over time. Provinces with a higher gross domestic product per capita simultaneously had lower ascariasis infestation rates, lower stunting and thinness prevalence, and higher overweight and obesity prevalence. Conclusions:The retardation effects caused by ascariasis infestation on nutritional status in Chinese children seemed to be offset by the rapid economic development and nutritional transition over time; nevertheless, multiple prevention and control measures are still needed and should be continuously strengthened.
SUBMITTER: Dong Y
PROVIDER: S-EPMC6527090 | biostudies-literature | 2019 May
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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