03107nas a2200265   4500000000100000008004100001260004400042653003900086653003100125653001100156653002400167653002700191100001200218700001400230700001600244700001300260700001600273700001200289245013800301856008900439300000600528490000700534520228600541022001402827       2025                            d  bSpringer Science and Business Media LLC10aNeglected tropical diseases (NTDs)10aSoil-transmitted helminths10aAnemia10aChildren under five10aReproductive-age women1 aLubis R1 aSatria FB1 aRasmaliah R1 aJemadi J1 aNasution SK1 aZaki RA00aImpact of soil-transmitted helminths infections on anemia burden: a global analysis of children under five and reproductive-age women  uhttps://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/counter/pdf/10.1186/s12889-025-22572-z.pdf  a90 v253 a<p><strong>Background:&nbsp;</strong>Soil-transmitted Helminths (STH) infections and anemia are significant global health threats, particularly affecting children under five and reproductive-age women. The World Health Organization (WHO) has established a roadmap to eliminate Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. This study analyzes the impact of STH infections on the anemia burden in these populations across 187 countries from 2015 to 2019.</p>

<p><strong>Methods:&nbsp;</strong>Following the Systemic Rapid Assessment (SYSRA) framework, this ecological study examines the relationship between STH infections and anemia in children under five and reproductive-age women. Factors considered include Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Index, Water and Sanitation Indicators (SDG 6.1 and 6.2), Government Effectiveness, and Human Development Index (HDI). Paired t-tests assess annual changes in STH infection and anemia prevalence, while Chi-Square and logistic regression tests identify factors associated with anemia prevalence.</p>

<p><strong>Results:&nbsp;</strong>From 2015 to 2019, STH infection prevalence decreased significantly, while anemia prevalence fluctuated. STH infections were significantly associated with anemia in children under 5. However, STH infections did not significantly impact anemia prevalence in children under 5 or reproductive-age women. HDI influenced anemia prevalence in children under 5 (OR = 14.17,&nbsp;<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05), while Safe Drinking Water infrastructure (OR = 3.98,&nbsp;<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05) and UHC coverage (OR = 4.09,&nbsp;<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05) influenced anemia prevalence in reproductive-age women.</p>

<p><strong>Conclusion:&nbsp;</strong>This study enhances our understanding of the link between STH infections and anemia burden in children under 5 and reproductive-aged women. Findings align with existing literature on reducing disparities in STH infection and anemia prevalence based on socioeconomic factors, specifically for children under 5. Inconsistencies compared to previous studies highlight the need for comprehensive interventions involving health, social, economic, and cultural aspects to address NTDs effectively.</p>
  a1471-2458