Preschool Children In Rural Areas Research Articles

Early childhood caries among pre-school children in rural areas

Background: Early childhood caries can occur and exist among children in slums areas, rural areas and under-served communities. Africa has countries with rural areas inhabited by diverse ethnic populations of pre-school children, with their parents and family members. Method: An electronic literature search in Science direct and PubMed was done in January, 2024 using the Population, Concept and Context framework. Search terms and keywords were combined by Boolean operators. Two independent investigators screened titles and abstracts of publications on early childhood caries among pre-school children in rural areas. The inclusion criteria was original (primary) research articles with accessible full text, related to early childhood caries among pre-school children in rural areas, carried out in Africa, published in English and in electronic databases. Original research articles related to early childhood caries among pre-school children in urban, semi-urban or sub-urban areas, hospital based studies, studies with participants selected from rural and urban or rural and semi-urban communities, review articles, systematic reviews, thesis or dissertations were excluded during screening. Results: Three articles with accessible full texts were included as it was assessed to meet the aim of the review. The study designs of the included studies were cross-sectional study, randomized, controlled field trial and a case-control study respectively. The studies were carried out in rural areas of Uganda and Egypt respectively. Conclusion: Early childhood caries has multifactorial aetiology. More studies from diverse ethnic population in Africa countries will fill the gaps in knowledge and add to the existing literature.

Effect of Moringa leaf supplements during pregnancy: Follow-up study on the development of pre-school children in rural area, Indonesia

This study is a follow-up study from experimental research that provides moringa supplements in the form of flour (GTK) and extract (GEK) as well as iron folate supplements (GBF) to pregnant women. Micronutrients are very important for the development of the child's brain during the womb and infancy. This study seeks to see the extent of the effect of Moringa leaf supplementation during pregnant women on the development of children at preschool age (5-6 years) in Jeneponto Regency. This study is an analytical observational study with a cross-sectional design with a total sample of 301 preschool-age children (5-6 years) taken by purposive sampling.in six sub-districts in Jeneponto Regency who when pregnant their mothers received moringa and iron folate supplements.

Prevalence of asthma and asthma symptoms among rural and urban pre-school children in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa

Background and Aim: Asthma is the most common chronic illness in South African children and its prevalence is increasing in both urban and rural areas. Little is known about the prevalence of asthma amongst pre-school children living in Mpumalanga province, South Africa, which forms part of the Highveld region, a priority area in terms of air pollution. The area is known for poor air quality and elevated concentrations of criteria pollutants. The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of asthma and asthma symptoms among rural and urban pre-school children and the association with environmental risk factors. Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study that included 3145 pre-school children from Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. Parents of the children were requested to complete a modified ISAAC questionnaire. We analyzed the influence of potential risk factors on dependent variables using bivariate analysis. Significant risk factors identified in the bivariate analysis were included in a multiple logistic regression to develop a final model. Results: Self-reported prevalence of asthma was 2.3% (66/2810), with pre-school children in rural areas reporting a higher rate than pre-school children in urban areas (1.3% vs 1%), χ2=10.86, P <0.001). The prevalence of asthma symptoms was 15.1% (467/3084), with rural pre-school children reporting a higher prevalence of symptoms than urban pre-school children (10% vs 5%), χ2 = 24.45, P < 0.001). Risk factors for asthma and asthma symptoms were vigorous physical activity (odds ratio (OR) 2.31, 95% CI 1.14-4.66), home smoking exposure (OR 2.94, 95% CI 1.40-6.19) and male parent smoking (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.01-2.12). Conclusions: Pre-school children in rural areas reported a higher prevalence of asthma compared to pre-school children in urban areas. Risk factors for asthma included physical activity and smoking exposure in the home. Key words: asthma, pre-school children, risk factors

Engaging the Community Child Care Centers to Achieve Nutritious Menu Plan and Vegetable Intake Promotion for Preschoolers in Ubon Ratchathani

ObjectivesFood and nutrition during childhood plays a crucial role for child’s growth and development. In Thailand, community child care center established by a Local Authority Organization provides early childhood education and growth development support to a rural child. This research aims to develop a nutritious menu for lunch meal served in the community child care centers. MethodsThis research used a Participatory Action Research (PAR) for engaging the community child care centers to achieve nutritious menu plan and vegetable intake promotion for preschoolers in Ubon Ratchathani. There were 105 participants joined the research. The intervention includes increasing nutrition knowledge of the cookers, teachers, and parents of children. The development of 1-moth menu planning by the collaboration group participants was conducted. The statistical analysis involved frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and Paired t–test. The selected nutritive value of developed menu was analyzed by Inmucal program Version 3.0. ResultsThe participants agreed to use the developed menu-cycle to serve children in all centers with approval from the local government organization. There were significantly increasing of diet and nutrition knowledge scores of the participants (from 11.56 to 12.61). After the intervention, it was found that creating policy guidelines set by the local administrative can lead to improvement of nutritive value of the developed menu. ConclusionsThe community child care center is suitable for promoting nutrition of preschool children in rural area. This research used the participatory action research to involve of cookers, teachers, and parents in designing nutritious menu cycle served in the child care center. This strategy may helpful for child care providers to ensure quality lunch meal for preschool children. Funding SourcesUbon Ratchathani Rajabhat University (UBRU), Thailand.

Research on Nutrition, Dental Caries Status Using Novel Methods, and Related Factors to Preschool Children in Rural Areas of Vietnam.

The study aims to examine correlations between nutrition status with different factors and dental caries of preschool children in rural areas of Vietnam. A big data based on a total of 690 children (356 boys and 334 girls), aged 2–5 years, living in Van Xuan commune, were thoroughly analyzed. Oral examinations were performed by dentists with the assistance of nursery teachers and the research team. Caries was diagnosed using criteria established by the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS). The examined children and their parents responded to questions pertaining to dental hygiene practices. The nutrition status of preschool children was determined by the World Health Organization (WHO) standards in 2006. There are factors which have effects on the malnutrition status of children in the research. The prevalence of dental caries also contributed importantly to assess children's development. In this study, the stunting groups have a higher ratio of caries compared to the others. Children's morphology and nutritional status are associated with dental caries among the preschool children in Van Xuan commune, Vinh Tuong district, Vinh Phuc province.

The association between family function and sleep disturbances of preschool children in rural areas of China: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT This study aimed to explore the association between family function and sleep disturbances in preschool children in rural areas of China. Caregivers of preschool children completed sociodemographic questionnaires, the Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ), the Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and the Family APGAR scale. Using sleep disturbances in children as the dependent variable, family function and other related factors as independent variables, binary logistic regression analyses were performed to examine associations between family function and sleep disturbances in children. A total of 3,636 caregivers of preschool children were enrolled in our study, and the prevalence of sleep disturbances among their preschool children was 89.4%. In our study, lower family function was associated with higher risk of sleep disturbances among preschool children. After adjusting for age (years), education level of mother, discipline attitudes of father and mother, only child status and caregivers’ anxiety, the associations were statistically significant both in families of which caregivers of children are their parents or other relatives. (AOR for parents = 1.487, 95% CI:1.152–1.919, P = 0.002; AOR for other relatives = 1.963, 95% CI:1.302–2.958, P = 0.001). Our study results indicated that family function was associated with sleep disturbances in preschool children, and future high-quality cohort studies are needed to explore this topic in more detail.

The association between caregivers’ anxiety and sleep disturbances among preschool children in rural areas of China: The moderating effect of resilience

This study aimed to explore the association between caregivers’ anxiety and sleep disturbances of preschool children aged from 3 to 6 years in rural areas of Anhui province, China. Besides, we also explored whether there is a mediated effect of resilience on this association. Caregivers of children from 26 kindergartens completed a structured questionnaire, the Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ), Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and the Devereux Early Childhood Assessment for Preschoolers, Second Edition (DECA-P2). CSHQ, SAS and DECA-P2 were used to evaluate sleep disturbances among preschool children, the caregivers’ anxiety, and the resilience of preschool children respectively. A total of 3,802 questionnaires were distributed in our investigation, after checking for completeness, 166 invalid questionnaires were excluded and 3,636 questionnaires were eventually included in our study. Binary logistic analysis was utilized to explore the potential relationship between caregivers’ anxiety and sleep disturbances of children. Moderating effect of resilience was evaluated through calculating the percentage of change in odds ratios (OR) in the models with and without resilience. 10% or more of percentage change in OR was defined as a significant mediation effect. In our study, 89.4% of the preschool children aged from 3 to 6 years had potential sleep disturbances. In preschool children whose caregivers are their parents, the correlation between caregivers’ anxiety and sleep disturbances of preschool children is statistically significant (OR = 10.168,95 %CI:2.506–41.263). In preschool children whose caregivers aren’t their parents, the correlation is also significant (OR = 2.405,95 %CI:1.139–5.077). Furthermore, resilience could attenuate the association between caregivers’ (including parents and other relatives) anxiety and sleep disturbances amongst preschool children. After adjusting resilience, the association between caregivers’ anxiety and sleep disturbances of preschool children was attenuated and remained significant (OR for parents = 9.323,95 %CI:2.295–37.875; OR for other caregivers = 2.232,95 %CI:1.050–4.745). In specific sleep domain of CSHQ, the moderating effect of resilience significantly existed in sleep duration and daytime sleepiness. Our study indicated that caregivers’ anxiety was associated with sleep disturbances among preschool children. High resilient children may be partly protected against the negative effect of caregivers’ anxiety on their sleep quality. Future well-designed cohort studies are needed to further explore this topic in more details.

Sleep disturbances and correlates among a sample of preschool children in rural China.

This study aimed to explore the prevalence of sleep disturbances among preschool children in rural areas of China and identify the underlying associated factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted in rural areas of Anhui Province, China, from September 2019 to January 2020. The caregivers of children from 26 kindergartens completed the demographic questionnaire, the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ), the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), the Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and the adapted Identification and Management of Feeding Difficulties (IMFeD) tool. One-way analysis of variance, independent-samples t-test, and hierarchical multiple linear regression were conducted to explore the potential influencing factors of sleep disturbances in preschool children. For the specific sleep disturbances based on each subscale of the CSHQ, bedtime resistance (54.9%) and sleep anxiety (47.9%) were the most common types of sleep disturbances, followed by daytime sleepiness (21.3%), sleep duration (20.8%), parasomnias (16.5%), sleep-onset delay (12.6%), night wakings (12.2%) and sleep-disordered breathing (10.3%). The ages of children, children's emotional/behavioral problems, children's feeding difficulties, inconsistent parenting attitudes of parents, poor parenting styles, non-parent caregivers, and caregiver anxiety contributed significantly to the CSHQ total score, accounting for approximately 27.1% (R2 = 0.271) of the variance. Our study indicates that the prevalence of sleep disturbances among preschool children in rural areas of China is quite high. Furthermore, the potential risk factors are complicated, including factors related to both children and their caregivers.

Prevalence of Helminthiasis and Worm Load among Pre-school Children in Rural Areas of Enugu State

Background: Globally, many people suffer from parasitic infections of the intestines with up to 24% of the world population are affected. These infections are particularly prevalent in low-and middle-income countries and exist mainly among economically and socially disadvantaged populations. This study sought to establish the current prevalence of STHs among preschool children in rural areas of Enugu State.
 Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study carried out at Obinofia Ndi-Uno and Obe, rural communities of Enugu State, Nigeria. A pre-tested semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and Laboratory kits for stool analysis were used. Data were analyzed using the IBM SPSS statistics version 22.
 Results: A total of 589 preschool children (294 from Obinofia Ndi-Uno and 295 from Obe) were studied. Ova of helminths were seen in the stool of 47 preschool children giving a prevalence of 8% with ascariasis being the predominant infection.
 Discussion: The prevalence of worm infection in this study was low compared to some studies in Nigeria, Africa, and other parts of the world.

The Relationship Between Residence With Parenting Style In Preschool Children

Parenting patterns are the active role of parents development of their children, there are several factors that influence parenting, one of is the living environment, the environment where a family lives will cause the way parents apply parenting. This study aims to find the relationship between residence and parenting patterns of preschool children. This research is a quantitative study with an analytical survey research design with cross-sectional method. Population of this research is all parents who have preschool age children in one kindergarten or SDN Bandar Agung in MUBA district and Bina Vita kindergarten in Palembang city with a large sample taken by purposive sampling technique totaling 116 respondents. The results showed that the parenting pattern of preschool children in rural areas was mostly authoritarian as much as 43.5%, parenting patterns for preschool children in urban areas were mostly permissive as much as 51.6%, and there was a relationship between residence and parenting patterns. preschool children with value = 0.000. This research expected as information and contribution of thoughts to do parentingKeywords: Residence; Parenting Style; Preschool

Intestinal parasitosis, anaemia and risk factors among pre-school children in Tigray region, northern Ethiopia

BackgroundIntestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) and anaemia are major health problems. This study assessed the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections, anaemia and associated factors among pre-school children in rural areas of the Tigray region, northern Ethiopia.MethodsA community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 610 pre-school children in rural communities of Northern Ethiopia from June 2017 to August 2017. Stool specimens were examined for the presence of trophozoites, cysts, oocysts, and ova using direct, formal-ethyl acetate concentration, Kato–Katz, and Ziehl-Neelsen techniques. Haemoglobin was measured using a HemoCue spectrometer.ResultsAmong the 610 participating pre-school children in the study, the prevalence of IPIs and anaemia were 58% (95% conference interval (CI): 54.1–61.9%) and 21.6% (95% CI: 18.5–25.1%), respectively. Single, double, and triple parasitic infections were seen in 249 (41, 95% CI: 37–45%), 83 (14, 95% CI: 11–17%), and 22 (3.6, 95% CI: 2.4–5.4%) children, respectively. Of the seven intestinal parasitic organisms recorded from the participants, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar was the most prevalent 220 (36.1%) followed by Giardia lamblia 128 (20.1%), and Hymenolepis nana 102 (16.7%). Mixed infections were common among G. lamblia, E. histolytica/dispar and Cryptosporidium spp. oocyst. Intestinal parasitic infection prevalence increased from 47% in children aged 6–11 months to 66% in those aged 48–59 months; the prevalence ratio (PR) associated with a one-year increase in age was 1.08 (95% CI: 1.02–1.14, p = 0.009). Age-adjusted prevalence was higher in children who had been dewormed (PR = 1.2; 95% CI: 1.00–1.4, p = 0.045), and lower in households having two or more children aged under five (PR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.61–0.95, p = 0.015). Anaemia rose from 28% in children aged 6–11 months to 43% in those aged 12–23 months, then fell continuously with age, reaching 7% in those aged 48–59 months. Age adjusted, anaemia was more prevalent in households using proper disposal of solid waste (PR = 1.5, 95% CI: 0.1–2.10, p = 0.009) while eating raw meat (PR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.45–0.54, p = 0.000), any maternal education (PR = 0.64 95% CI: 0.52–0.79, p = 0.000), and household water treatment (PR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.56–1.0, p = 0.044) were associated with lower prevalence of anaemia.ConclusionsMore than half of the children were infected with intestinal parasites, while anaemia prevalence was concentrated in the 12–23 month age group. This study has identified a number of potentially modifiable risk factors to address the significant prevalence of IPIs and anaemia in these children. Improvements in sanitation, clean water, hand hygiene, maternal education could address both short and long-term consequences of these conditions in this vulnerable population.

Predictors of mothers’ performance in daily use of five servings of fruit and vegetables by rural preschoolers

Purpose Using the PRECEDE model, the purpose of this paper is to determine the predictors of mothers’ performance in daily consumption of fruit and vegetables (FV) in rural preschoolers. Design/methodology/approach This study was carried out on 350 mothers of preschool children who had health records in the rural health-care centers of Iran. To collect data, a researcher-made questionnaire based on the PRECEDE model was used. The data were analyzed using the SPSS 19 software. Findings The results showed that 11.42 percent of the mothers observed the FV intake for their children recommended by WHO. The independent t-test showed a significant difference between the mean scores of predisposing, enabling and reinforcing factors. Originality/value This study showed that the rate of FV intake by preschool children in rural areas was much lower than the recommended WHO rate. To promote behavior, attention to the predisposing, enabling and reinforcing factors seems to be necessary.

Health Needs among Preschool Children in Rural Areas

Health Needs among Preschool Children in Rural Areas

The status of anxiety and its influential factors of preschool children in rural areas

Objective To know the anxiety status of preschool children in rural areas and to explore its influential factors. Methods Subjects of 1 363 rural preschool children aged 3-6 years were selected from Anhui Province(Changfeng and Feixi county of Hefei city; Qianshan county of Anqing city; Funan county of Fuyang city). The primary caregivers of preschool children were investigated by Chinese version of Spence Preschool Anxiety Scale (SPAS), Devereux Early Childhood Assessment for Preschoolers (DECA-P2), Neglect Norms for Children Aged 3 to 6 Years in Rural Areas of China, Adaptation Partnership Growth Affection Resolve (APGAR), Self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) and Self-rating depression (SDS). Results Among the 1 363 preschool children, the positive rate of anxiety was 14.7%.Physical injury fears score was highest (1.24±0.84), followed by social phobia anxiety (0.86±0.75) and separation anxiety (0.85±0.74). Except for obsessive compulsive disorder, the other four types of anxiety and total anxiety scores were negatively correlated with the total protective factors of mental resilience (r=-0.054- -0.070, P<0.05). Besides, all anxiety scores were positively correlated with behavioral problems(r=0.121-0.237, P<0.05)and neglect degree (r=0.157-0.269, P<0.05). The results of multiple linear regression analysis of different anxiety types showed that gender, family type, family income status, parental rearing pattern was consistent or inconsistent, children’s neglect degree, behavior problem and anxiety/depression status of primary caregivers were the main factors affecting the anxiety level of preschool children in rural areas. Conclusions In order to reduce or avoid anxiety of preschool children, it is necessary to establish a good family environment, improve parents’ upbringing level, and take effective education intervention. Key words: Preschool children; Anxiety; Influencing factor

Nutritional status of pre-school children [1-5 years] in Rural area of Chhattisgarh state.

Background: Pre-school children are more vulnerable as any adverse influence operating on them during this period may result in limitation in their development (both physical and mental), some of which at least are irreversible. Nutritional problems among children cause major morbidity and mortality in India. India is home to the largest number of underweight and stunted children in the world. The aims and objectives of the study were to assess prevalence of underweight, stunting and wasting among pre-school children in rural area of Chhattisgarh state.Methods: A community-based, cross- sectional study was conducted among 400 pre-school children in rural area during January-May 2107. Anthropometric measurements were taken. The indicators of nutritional status of children like underweight, stunting and wasting were expressed using WHO conducted ‘Multicentric Growth Reference Study’ (MGRS) standards.Results: Out of 400 children studied, 36% were underweight, 35.5% were stunted and 28.5% were having wasting. More than 50% of girl children were underweight and stunted. Nutritional indicators became worse as age advances.Conclusions: Almost one third of pre-school children were underweight and stunted. Female children were more nutritionally deprived than males. For attainment of best possible nutrition and growth in children, targeted short-term strategies addressing underlying risk factors and more long-term poverty alleviation strategies may be needed.

Prevalence and associated factors of clinical manifestations of vitamin a deficiency among preschool children in asgede-tsimbla rural district, north Ethiopia, a community based cross sectional study.

BackgroundVitamin A Deficiency is a common form of micronutrient deficiency, globally affecting 33.3 % of preschool-age children. An estimated of 44.4 % of preschool children in Africa were at risk for vitamin A deficiency. In Ethiopia, vitamin A deficiency leads to 80,000 deaths a year and affects 61 % of preschool children. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and associated factors with the night blindness, Bitot’s spot and vitamin A intake among preschool children in rural area, Asgede-Tsimbla district, North Ethiopia.MethodsCommunity based cross sectional study was conducted from January 27 to March 7, 2014. A total 1230 preschool children were selected by systematic random sampling from 8 randomly selected kebelles (smallest administrative unit). Structured and pretested questionnaires adapted from relevant studies and WHO/FAO was for data collection. In addition, sex, age, and height were taken and filled to Emergency Nutrition Assessment (ENA) for Standardized Monitoring and Assessment of Relief and Transition (SMART) 2007 software to convert the nutritional data into Z-scores of the indices. The data was then transported to SPSS version 20. Bivariate and Multivariable binary logistic regressions were carried out to investigate the effect of each independent variable on the dependent variable. Statistical significance was set at p-value < 0.05.ResultThe odds of Bitot‘s spots (1.46 %) and night blindness (1.22 %) were higher than the WHO Cut-off levels used to define a public health problem. The odds of night blindness was 4 times higher among children belonging to family size greater or equal to four [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 4.18, 95 % CI = 1.15,15.3] and 6 times higher among children of illiterate mothers [AOR = 5.96 , 95 % CI = 1.33,26.69]. The odds of Bitot‘s spots was 5.35 times higher among children belonging to family size greater or more four [AOR =5.35; 95 % CI = 1.49, 19.2], 4.75 times higher among children of illiterate mothers [AOR = 4.75, 95 % CI =1.32, 17.18] and 6 times higher in males than females [AOR = 5.8, 95 % CI = 1.65, 20.46].ConclusionsThe study revealed that night blindness and Bitot‘s spots are major nutritional problems in the study area. The independent predictors of night blindness were mother illiteracy status and large family size and also for Bitot‘s spots were mother illiteracy status, male sex of child and large family size. Therefore, the need to increase educational level of mother, use of family planning of women and emphasis on male children and children from large family size by involving the Education sector, Health sector, (Federal Ministry of Health) FMOH and (Tigray Regional Health Bureau) TRHB is crucial.

The Influence of a School Readiness Program on the Language and Phonological Awareness Skills of Preschool Children in Rural Areas of South Africa

MANY CHILDREN IN DEVELOPING countries are exposed to multiple risks for poor development due to poverty and associated poor health and nutrition. These factors, as well as insufficient knowledge of the prerequisites for emergent literacy and school readiness on the side of parents and practitioners, may contribute to the weak reading achievement of learners. The question underlying this research was formulated as follows: Will the phonological awareness of preschool children improve after the application of an intervention program to empower practitioners to support the preschoolers? A program, ‘Growing to Read’, was developed and conducted in a number of workshops. The aim of this article is to reflect on the results of the application of the program. Findings indicate an improvement in the language and phonological awareness skills of the children who participated in the program when compared to children who did not follow the program.

Consumo habitual de alimentos fonte de vitamina A em pré-escolares da zona rural no Norte de Minas Gerais

Objetivo: Avaliou-se o consumo habitual de alimentos fontes de vitamina A em pré-escolares da zona rural de Montes Claros, Minas Gerais.Métodos: Em estudo do tipo transversal foram pesquisados 337 pré-escolares por meio de entrevista com seus pais. Foram avaliados: a) características socioeconômicas da família; b) recebimento de suplementação de vitamina A provida pelo governo, c) o hábito de consumo de alimentos fontes de vitamina A através de um Questionário de Frequência Alimentar. O hábito de consumo foi classificado entre alto/moderado ou baixo e associado às variáveis socioeconômicas usando-se o modelo de regressão de Poisson para calcular a razão de prevalência e respectivo intervalo de confiança a 95%.Resultados: A maioria das crianças era de famílias de baixa renda. Apenas 51% delas receberam pelo menos 4 doses de suplementação de vitamina A. O hábito de consumo de fontes dessa vitamina inferido pelo Questionário de Frequência Alimentar foi considerado alto/moderado para apenas 75 dos pré-escolares e baixo para 262 deles. O baixo consumo de alimentos fontes de vitamina A foi associado à renda ≤1 salário mínimo (RP=1,178) e consumo habitual de guloseimas (RP=1,256).Conclusão: As crianças avaliadas apresentaram baixo registro de recebimento da suplementação de vitamina A provida pelo governo e baixo consumo de alimentos fonte desse nutriente, sendo este último associado à baixa renda familiar e ao alto consumo de guloseimas.

Morbidity profile of preschool children in rural area of central Madhya Pradesh

Background: The children of Preschool age are a vulnerable or special risk group in any population, deserving special health care. Major causes of death in the age group 0-5 years are preventable. Objective of this study was to study the morbidity profile of preschool children (0-5 years) in the rural areas and its association with some selected variables. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among preschool children of rural areas for a period of 4 months. A sample size of total 400 children was selected and the children were examined after interviewing mother. Results: Morbidity was found in 217 out of total 400 children. The male and female ratio of morbid children was 1.47:1. The respiratory infections and diarrheal diseases together accounted for 76.5% of children at least once in three month. Conclusions: Communicable diseases were the commonest cause of morbidity in the preschool children. A total of 164 children were found having one of the episodes of illness in last three month.

Mother’s Education and her Knowledge about Home Accident Prevention among Preschool Children in Rural Area in Sharkia Governorate

Unintentional injury remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children worldwide. The aim of this study was to describe the mother's education and her knowledge in relation to home accidents prevention in rural area in Sharkia Governorate. Study design, a cross-sectional descriptive study design was adopted in this study. The sample size was 150 mothers from Kafr Mohsen village, this number was drawn by a systematic random by visiting every 5 house in the village, those mother's were inter-viewed in their homes through home visits. Structured interview sheet was developed based on relevant literature ,it contained the following data: A) The first included socio-demographic characteristics of the families as mother's age, educational level, occupation, family size and number of children .B) The second included mother knowledge towards home accidents among children and its occurrence, types and mother's knowledge regarding causes of home accidents. C) The third included mother's practice or first aid measures she followed towards her child in case of exposure to any type of home accidents. The study result indicated that, the mean age of the mothers was (34.1±9.6) years. Regarding educational level, 33.3% had completed university education, while 25.3% of them were illiterate. Occupational status showed that more than one half of the studied mothers (58%) didn't work, while 14% worked as health care personnel. 61.3% were of middle socio economic status. More than half of the injured children (59.3%) were aged 3years or less, over half of them (58.7%) were males. The majority of the mothers (84.7%) reported that the child had suffered an injury at home. Cut/wound represented the highest percentage of home injury (37.3%) followed by fall (29.3%), burn (12%), animal bite (3.3%) then poisoning (1.3%). The study revealed that the majority of mothers (80%) heard of the term of first aid and the main source of their knowledge was from radio and television (24%) then doctors and nurses (15.3%) , part of curriculum nearly(14%) and the lowest source was from books (6.7%). More than half of the studied mothers (55.3%) did not have any knowledge about the causes of home accidents. the relation between mother's age and her knowledge regarding causes of home accidents was proved to be statistically non significant (p>0.05). mother's knowledge regarding causes of home accidents increased with increasing educational level. The relation was proved to be statistically significant (p<0.001).The conclusion of this study revealed that, well educated mothers will use the proper first aid. So there is need for parent's educational programs especially mothers with preschool children about home accidents and how to manage.