This study investigates the incidence of intestinal parasites on the students of two different primary schools and the effects of parasitic diseases on the body weight and height percentile values. Study sample consists of 481 students of those schools. Data is compiled via information sheets given to the student families, measurements done on students and by investigation of stool samples by parasitogicial methods and examination of cellulose tape applied on perianal skin.

Study samples include both male (48.6%) and female (51.4%) students between the ages 6 and 16 (9.7±2.2). Students are grouped into two as parasite infested (group 1) and non-infested (group 2). No difference between the groups is observed as to age and gender distribution. Significant decrease in weight and height percentile values was identified in parallel to lower socioeconomic status of the students (p<0.05). When group 1 and 2 are compared by percentile values, no difference as to the height percentile values was found (p=0.709), however weight percentile values of group 2 students was found to be significantly lower (p=0.0083) by group 1 students. In group 1, it is found that as the socio-economic level decreases, the weight percentile values significantly would go down accordingly (p= 0.012). In group 2 however, the weight percentile values would not differ by socioeconomic status (p= 0.699).

As a result, it was found that there is a statistically significant decrease in the weight percentile values in the parasite-infected group in comparison to the non-infected group. We believe that this decrease is due to the parasitic infections, rather than socio economic status of the students.