Impact of disease burden and setting-specific interventions on schoolchildren’s cardio-respiratory physical fitness and psychosocial health in Port Elizabeth, South Africa

INTERVENTION: The following intervention toolbox is proposed but the specific combination of interventions to be used will be governed by the key findings from the initial cross‐sectional baseline survey: Physical fitness programmes, health education and administration of nutritional supplements or treatments. All participants of the study will be treated against soil‐transmitted helminthiasis and schistosomiasis with a single dose of albendazole (400 mg) and praziquantel (40 mg/kg), respectively, at baseline, 1 year and 2 years (follow‐up assessment) after launch of the study. CONDITION: Communicable diseases (e.g. intestinal protozoa and helminth infections) and non‐communicable chronic conditions (e.g. type 2 diabetes and malnutrition) ; Infections and Infestations PRIMARY OUTCOME: 1. The prevalence of communicable diseases (e.g. intestinal protozoa and helminth infections) and non‐communicable chronic conditions (e.g. type 2 diabetes and malnutrition).; 2. Differences (non‐infected vs. infected) and changes (before and after treatment) in physical fitness levels, psychosocial health and cognitive performance. SECONDARY OUTCOME: 1. Reduction of infection prevalence and intensity of soil‐transmitted helminths and schistosomiasis.; 2. Differences and changes in disease‐related morbidity measures (malnutrition and anaemia).; ; Treatment will be administered to all study participants directly after baseline assessments, 1 year and 2 years after baseline. Reassessment of parasitic infection, anthropometric and haemoglobin measurements, clinical examination, physical fitness and cognitive performance will take place at the end of the study follow‐up, 2 years after baseline. INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. Willing to participate in the study 2. Be in possession of a written informed consent by a parent/guardian on behalf of the child 3. Not participating in other studies 4. Being a primary school child aged 9‐12 years, male or female 5. Absence of ill‐health condition (e.g. severe anaemia, respiratory disease or other major illnesses), as assessed by a medical doctor at baseline.