Pediatric nursing in Taiwan.

Abstract

T HERE IS AN estimated population of 7 million children under 18 years of age in Taiwan; this accounts for one third of the total population. On the average, there are two to three children in a Chinese family. In the Chinese culture, there is a saying that the child is the future host of the country. Thus, parents and the society care about the health and well-being of children. Programs to protect the health of children began in 1952. At that time, the infant mortality rate was 44.7/1,000 live births. Currently, it is 5.08/1,000 live births. However, deaths due to congenital diseases have increased. In 1987 infant deaths caused by these diseases accounted for 31% of the total infant deaths. Data from the Registration of Congenital Deformities project has shown that there were 10 to 15 congenital deformities per 1,000 children during the past several years. To deal with this problem, genetic counseling programs have been established throughout Taiwan (Health Department Report, 1987). Myopia is a serious health problem in Taiwan. A survey by the Department of Health (1986) found that the prevalence of myopia among school children was as follows (by school level): 3%, kindergarten; 27%, primary schools; 61%, junior high school; and 76%, senior high school. To combat this problem, vision screening programs have been established in the schools, and treatment centers have been organized in the hospitals. Behavioral problems in Taiwan include an increasing divorce rate in the urban areas and a corresponding rise in the number of single parent families. Women usually receive custody of the children, and they seldom remarry. Other behavior problems include an increase in juvenile crime, an increase in