Does Deworming Improve Growth and School Performance in Children?
Author Information
Author(s): Taylor-Robinson David, Jones Ashley, Garner Paul
Primary Institution: University of Liverpool
Hypothesis
Does deworming improve growth and school performance in children?
Conclusion
Deworming drugs are associated with increases in weight after a single dose, but generally show no significant difference in multiple dose trials or on school performance.
Supporting Evidence
- Deworming drugs are associated with increases in weight after a single dose.
- Multiple dose trials generally show no significant difference in weight gain.
- Data on school performance were very limited with no convincing treatment effect demonstrated.
Takeaway
Giving deworming medicine to kids can help them gain weight a little, but it doesn't seem to help them do better in school.
Methodology
Systematic review of RCTs and quasi-randomised controlled trials evaluating the effects of deworming on growth and school performance.
Potential Biases
Potential confounding effects from concurrent use of deworming agents for multiple diseases.
Limitations
The evidence for long-term benefits and effects on school performance is limited and inconclusive.
Participant Demographics
Children aged 5-15 years from various trials.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
WMD 0.34 kg, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.64
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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