When is Albendazole given to control Helminth infections in adolescents?

MP CHO -2021 (Shift 1st)

Pharmacology

Easy

Appeared in: MP CHO -2021 (Shift 1st)

Explanation

The standard public health strategy for controlling soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections in high-prevalence areas is periodic deworming.
According to WHO guidelines, if the prevalence of STH infections in a community is over 50%, mass drug administration should occur twice a year.
This biannual (every 6 months) schedule is followed by national programs like India's National Deworming Day to effectively reduce worm burden and control morbidity.
This approach targets at-risk groups, including preschool children, school-aged children, and adolescents (up to 19 years).

Option A: This frequency is recommended only for areas where the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections is moderate (between 20% and 50%). It is not the standard for high-prevalence, endemic areas.
Option C: Administering Albendazole 3-4 times a year is not a standard protocol for mass preventive chemotherapy. This frequency is unnecessarily high for prevention and could increase the risk of side effects and drug resistance.
Option D: This is the same as '3-4 times a year' and is not the recommended frequency for mass deworming programs. It is too frequent for a preventive public health strategy.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Preventive Chemotherapy for Soil-Transmitted Helminths as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a crucial role in mass drug administration (MDA) programs like National Deworming Day by ensuring correct dosage, observing administration, and providing health education.
A key nursing intervention is to educate families on hygiene practices, such as handwashing with soap, using toilets, and wearing shoes, to prevent reinfection with soil-transmitted helminths.
Nurses should advise that Albendazole is more effective when taken with a fatty meal, as this enhances its absorption.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the keywords in the question: 'Albendazole', 'Helminth infections', and 'adolescents'. This points to a question about pharmacology and public health.
The question asks 'When?', which in this context refers to the frequency of administration for disease control.
Recall or look for information related to national health programs for worm infections in India, such as the National Deworming Day (NDD).
Remember that the standard protocol for mass deworming in endemic areas is biannual (twice a year).
Evaluate the options based on this knowledge. 'Twice a year' directly matches the standard public health guideline for high-prevalence areas.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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