Change in children’s school behavior after mass administration of praziquantel for Schistosoma mansoni infection in endemic areas of western Kenya: A pilot study using the Behavioral Assessment System for Children (BASC-2)

BackgroundSchistosomiasis is a parasite-related chronic inflammatory condition that can cause anemia, decreased growth, liver abnormalities, and deficits in cognitive functioning among children.Methodology/Principal findingsThis study used the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC-2) to collect data on thirty-six 9–12 year old school-attending children’s behavioral profiles in an Schistosoma mansoni-endemic area of western Kenya, before and after treatment with praziquantel for S. mansoni infection. BASC-2 T scores were significantly reduced post-treatment (p Conclusion/SignificanceResults of this study suggest that children have better school-related behaviors without heavy S. mansoni infection, and that infected children’s behaviors, especially disruptive problem behaviors, improve significantly after praziquantel treatment.