The Influence of Intestinal Parasites on Academic Performance. : THE PUBLIC HEALTH PERSPECTIVE ON COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

THIS BOOK HAS BEEN WRITTEN TO CREATE AWARENESS ON THE NEED FOR SUSTAINED, INTEGRATED CONTROL MEASURES TO COMBAT THE SPREAD OF INTESTINAL PARASITES PREVALENT AMONG SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN, ESPECIALLY THOSE IN THE TROPICAL AND SUB-TROPICAL COUNTRIES. MODERATE TO HEAVY WORM BURDENS PRODUCE LETHARGY, DROWSINESS, REDUCED VIGOUR, APATHY, DIMINISHED JUDGEMENT AND SLOW REACTION TIME RESPONSE TO STIMULI IN THE ENVIRONMENT. CHILDREN WHO ATTEND SCHOOLS IN ENDEMIC AREAS SUFFER FROM CHRONIC INFECTIONS ACCOMPANIED BY IRON-DEFFICIENCY, ANAEMIA, WEIGHT LOSS, POOR INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT AND DETERIORATION IN ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE.