A cross-sectional study to assess the socio-demographic and morbidity profile among under-five children in a resettlement colony of Bihar

Abstract

Background: The development of our society and the world largely depends on the health of the children in their first five years. These first five years lay down the foundation of their future mental and physical health. India has the largest number of children in the world. India also contributes to more than 20% of the child deaths in the world. children who are born in rural areas, poor household or illiterate families, are at major risk of dying before turning six years of age. Aim was to assess the health risk profile of under-five children and to find out its relation with socio-demographic, nutritional, cultural health care practices and other factors.Methods: This was a community based cross-sectional study, carried out from January, 2019 till July, 2019 in a resettlement colony of Rohtas district, Sasaram, Bihar. The study population comprised of all the under-five children. The study tools used for data collection included a semi-structured proforma and clinical anthropometric examination.Results: When presence of morbidity was seen among male and female children, it was more (71%) in males as compared to 58% in female children. The difference in the two groups was found to be statistically significant. (p=0.05). Respiratory system was most commonly involved (68.4%).Conclusions: There is high proportion of under nutrition and other morbidities among under five children in our country. Special focus needs to be put in resettlement colonies, as these residential colonies remain neglected.