Article: A STUDY ON DEMOGRAPHIC STATUS OF MORBIDITY PATTERN IN CHILDREN UNDER 5 YEARS

Article Category: Original Research articles

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.1105146

Pages: 83-87

Author: Nitu Sinha *, Nisha Kumari Ojha

Abstract: Children are more susceptible to infections due to less immunity power. Frequent illnesses among children influence adversely on their growth and development. So the health status of this vulnerable age group (under 5 years age) is very much important as morbidities affect their health which influences the overall health status of the country. More than half of the children (53.7%) are suffering from some form of illness. Recurrent respiratory infection, recurrent diarrhea, recurrent fever, etc. are the most common causes of morbidity in immune-compromised children. The present study was planned to provide the demographic status of the morbidity pattern in children less than 5 years in a defined population. A cross sectional study was conducted from July 2018 to February 2019 by attending and participating in various health camps in various villages in periphery of Jaipur organized by PG Department of Kaumarabhritya, NIA, Jaipur. The sample size was calculated 501 (n = 501). All children from 06 months to 5 years were included in the study. During the study period, the sample size was 501, in which 187 (37.33%) children were found with morbidity features of either sex. Mainly 161 (32.14%) subjects were infected with recurrent RTIs, 98 (19.56%) subjects with anemia, 63 (12.57%) subjects with recurrent fever, 26 (5.19%) subjects with recurrent diarrhea and 17 (3.39%) subjects with skin infections. For enhancing the immunity of children and awareness about health, many Swarnaprashana camps and health checkup camps in various preschools situated in Jaipur were organized by PG Department of Kaumarabhritya, NIA and Jaipur.

Keyword: Children morbidity, Recurrent RTIs, Recurrent Diarrhea and Recurrent Fever, Anemia, Skin Infections, Dental Caries, Mottled Enamel, Hair Changes, Swarnaprashana.