Does Treating Hookworm Improve Productivity of Small Subsistence Farmers

Treatment of hookworm infected groups with albendazole has been shown to result in an increase in hemoglobin levels and a related decrease in the prevalence of anemia. Increases in hemoglobin levels due to treatment have been associated with significant gains in adult labor productivity. In this study, the investigators hypothesize that regular treatment of women smallholder farmers in a high prevalence area with the anti-hookworm drug albendazole and iron supplementation will improve hookworm associated anemia. Further, regular treatment of albendazole and iron supplementation will improve their work capacity when compared to a control group