English

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Rapid industrialization has resulted in the phenomenal growth of urban slum settlements in many big cities of India in the recent past. Slum populations living in adverse conditions represent vulnerable groups that need immediate attention. Since information regarding morbidity and nutritional status of slum children is scarce, this study was taken up to provide an insight into these aspects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A Cross Sectional study was carried out in the month of October 2002.A total of 1125 subjects with 544 males and 581 females were screened. The assessment included detailed clinical evaluation, anthropometry, tests for visual acuity and laboratory investigations as required. The above data was recorded in a pretested proforma. The illnesses were grouped according to the system. Nutritional status was assessed using the indicator Weight for Age. Appropriate statistical tests were used to infer the data. RESULTS: Respiratory infections contributed the highest morbidity (11.30%) followed by Worm infestation (7.03%) and Skin disorders (4.36%). According to sex wise distribution respiratory infections were more frequent in females as compared to males (12.11% Vs 10.29) as also worm infestations(7.67 Vs 6.25) and Anemia(5.46% vs. 2.57).Skin disorders were more among male children(4.59 vs 4.09) as also dental caries (4.59 vs 2.21).Malnutrition was highly prevalent in the age group of 5-10 years (58.46%) and 10-15 years (33.06%).Most of the cases belonged to Grade I and Grade II malnutrition (42.92 and 38.78 respectively). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of acute respiratory infections, worm infestations, skin diseases, and anemia being high, proper measures should be taken to tackle these problems. To tackle the problem of malnutrition, nutritional education should be imparted to the children and their caretakers.