Improving health of children in urban slums through an integrated model based approach — a case study from Chennai

Abstract

An integrated model based approach was used to improve health status of children in an urban slum. An urban slum was selected based on fixed criteria and health needs were assessed. The environmental conditions were improved. Health care needs were taken care of and self-help groups were started to make them financially independent. This model was evaluated in 204 families with 350 under-five children. Survey revealed that 88% of them used safe garbage disposal and 95% of them had household latrines. Only 24% of under-five children had water borne morbidity in past one year and there were no vector borne diseases. 71% of the eligible couples followed some contraception. Mean duration of exclusive breast feeding was 7 months and average total duration of breast feeding was 15 months. Integrated model based approach based on principles of primary health care works in urban slum with effective community participation.