Study to Assess the Effect of Neem Leaves Preparation in Worm Infestation among the Preschool Children Attending Selected Anganwadies in Area of Karad Taluka

Introduction: Invasion of worms or worm infestation is a worldwide public health problem. One third of the world's population is infected with one or more species of intestinal helminthes, It is estimated to affect over 200 million people in India and public health specialists are concerned that these infections impair children's growth and development. Objective: To find out prevalence of worm infestation and evaluate effectiveness of neem leaves preparation in worm infestation by microscopic stool examination among preschool children attending selected Anganwadies in area of Karad Taluka Methodology: Evaluative approach with pre test post test control group design was adopted. The study was conducted on 30 preschool children detected by microscopic stool examination method for worm infestation and who those are attending Anganwadies in area of Karad Taluka by using non probability purposive sampling technique. The instrument used for data collection was standardized questionnaire and microscopic stool examination Result: Before administration of neem leaves preparation, the prevalence of Roundworm was maximum 21 (70%) But after administration it was reduced 0. Whereas the Prevalence of Pinworm before administration 2 (6.6%) and after administration it was 2 (6.7%). Among hook worm before administration of neem leaves preparation it was 1 (3.3%) and in H. nana was 6 ( 20 %) but after administration of neem leaves preparation hook worm was 1 (3.3%) and H. nana was 0. So there was significant reduction in Round worm and H. nana. Conculsion: Neem leaves Preparation significantly reduces the worm infestation. So in future one can incorporate neem leaves preparation as a part of intervention in the community set up in treating the children for worm infestation.