Morbidity profile, immunization status and prevalence of anemia among children of residential schools of Gandhinagar district, Gujarat.

Abstract

Background: The school is also potentially a location for contracting infections or diseases. Finally, childhood health behaviour habits such as diet and physical activity are influenced by the school setting and often track into adulthood. Aims & Objectives: (1) To study morbidity profile of children of residential schools; (2) To study the immunization status of children of residential schools; (3) To know the prevalence of anaemia among children of residential schools. Materials and Methods: The study was a cross sectional study. After taking the permission of principal of resident schools and consent of the parents of children, 867 children from 8 residential schools were interviewed and examined during February-March 2011. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Results: Age of the study children (total 867) ranged from 5-19 years. (Mean age=13.80 ±1.96 years). Out of 867, 434 (49.9%) were boys and 433 (50.1%) were girls. 303 (34.9%) children were fully immunized and 193 (22.3%) were partially immunized. The number of unimmunized children was 371 (42.8%). 333 (38.4%) children [Females: 158 (36.4%); Males: 175 (40.3%)] had past history of illness like jaundice, measles or chickenpox and tuberculosis. Wax in ears was present in 816 (94.1%) children while 192 (22.14%) children had one or more morbid conditions. The prevalence of anaemia in children in present study was 42%. [Females= 202 (46.7%); Males=162 (37.3%); p