Effect on weight gain of routinely giving albendazole to preschool children during child health days in Uganda: cluster randomised controlled trial

Abstract
To estimate the effectiveness of delivering an anthelmintic through a community child health programme on the weight gain of preschool children in Uganda. Participants 48 parishes participating in a new programme for child health: 24 offered children an additional service of anthelmintic treatment. The outcome is based on measurements from 27 995 children. Treatment of children aged between 1 and 7 years with 400 mg albendazole added to standard services offered during child health days over a three year period. Main outcome measure Weight gain.The provision of periodic anthelmintic treatment as a part of child health services in Uganda resulted in an increase in weight gain of about 10% (166 g per child per year, 95% confidence interval 16 to 316) above expected weight gain when treatments were given twice a year, and an increase of 5% when the treatment was given annually. Deworming of preschool children in Uganda as part of regularly scheduled health services seems practical and associated with increased weight gain.
Description
Keywords
Child health days, Weight gain, Albendazole
Citation
Alderman, H., Konde-Lule, J., Sebuliba, I., Bundy, D., & Hall, A. (2006). Effect on weight gain of routinely giving albendazole to preschool children during child health days in Uganda: cluster randomised controlled trial. bmj, 333(7559), 122.https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.38877.393530.7C