A comparative study of nutritional status and helminth infections among school-attending Mangyan children in the Philippines.

BACKGROUND

This study focuses on growth patterns and helminth infections to assess the health of the marginalized Mangyan people, the indigenous population on Mindoro in the Philippines.

METHODS

In this comparative cross-sectional study, 90 school-attending children aged 5-15 years were recruited from two remote Mangyan villages, Ambang and Sipit Saburan, and the less remote village Baclayan. Participants were recruited through convenience sampling in August and September 2023. Inclusion criteria were permanent residence, school attendance, age 5-15 years, and understanding Tagalog. Exclusion criteria included lack of parental consent and missing key demographic data. Children completed a structured interview, clinical examination, and collection of a stool sample. Interviews covered food intake, disease symptoms, and access to healthcare. Growth patterns were measured using standardized anthropometry, and stool samples were analyzed by same-day conventional microscopy with direct fecal smear. Data were analyzed using Fisher's Exact Test. In addition, odds ratios (OR) with 95 % confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Ethical approvals were obtained from the local Indigenous People's Structures (IPS), Barangay Council of Villaflor, and the Department of Education.

RESULTS

School-attending children from remote Mangyan villages had a significantly higher prevalence of parasitic infections (P = .02). Additionally, living in the remote villages was highly associated with stunted growth (P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

School-attending Mangyan children from remote villages have lower growth patterns and a higher prevalence of helminth infections, highlighting the need for targeted health interventions. Future research should focus on larger studies to gather comprehensive data on health needs of this marginalized population.