Background Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infection among elementary school-aged children can cause long-term effects on brain development, including future behavioral disorders. Currently, there are no studies that reveal the effect of STH infection on behavioral development disorders in elementary school-aged children.
Objective To analyze the relationship between STH infection and the behavior of elementary school-aged children.
Methods An analytical observational study with a cross-sectional approach in children aged 7-13 years with STH infection from February-August 2020 at the State Elementary School. Behavior disorders were assessed using the Pediatric Symptoms Checklist 17 Items (PSC-17) filled out by the parents. A multivariate regression test was done, with a p-value < 0>Results STH infection was shown to be significantly associated with internalizing behavioral disorders (Z = -2.064; p = 0.039), attention (t = -3.720; p = 0.001), and externalizing (Z = -3.664; p = <0 xss=removed xss=removed xss=removed xss=removed xss=removed xss=removed>Conclusion STH infection has been shown to be significantly associated with internalizing, attention, and externalizing behavioral disorders in elementary school-aged children.
Keywords Soil-transmitted helminths infection, Children’s behavioral disorders
