Chronic STH infection can lead to disability, which become a serious matter for pediatric populations because it causes poor growth and impaired development. Undernutrition is presumed to be the leading cause for this chronic disability since STH impede the digestive system in various ways. Malnutrition itself also disrupts immune system and made children more susceptible to infections, creating a vicious circle. This literature review is conducted to evaluate latest findings whether STH infection and malnutrition is still a major issue that relates to one another. Published literatures from 2018 – 2023 searched through Scopus, PubMed, and ScienceDirect databases are assessed and evaluated according to PRISMA 2020 guideline. A total of 14 cross-sectional studies fit the inclusion and exclusion criteria of this study. Undernutrition is still commonly found among children with STH infection although the association varies. Stunting is the type of undernutrition that was most found to be significantly associated with STH infection. The STH species most found to alter nutrition status is A. lumbricoides, while hookworm is the least.

Soil-Transmitted Helminths

Undernutrition

Anthropometric Index

Children