STH is often associated with malnutrition in children as it worsens their nutritional status in multiple ways.[1] The worms can induce intestinal bleeding, competition for nutrients (malabsorption of nutrients), frequent anaemia and diarrhoea.[2] Soil-transmitted helminths can also cause loss of appetite.[1] These nutritional "knock on" effects of STH can have a significant impact on the mental and physical development of children.