A Cross Sectional Study on Health and Nutritional Status of School Age Children (6 to 19 years) of Rural Area Schools of Punjab Province, Pakistan

Background: The most common dilemma in the developing countries like Pakistan is nutritional deficiencies, the Government is already working to overcome the nutritional deficiencies and also devising presentive strategies for children & adolescent health.

Objective: To determine the nutritional & health status of rural school children age 6–19 years of Punjab and present possible methods to improve the nutritional and health status during this life stage for a long-term health impact.

Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study was carried out among school children between age (6 to 19 years) in Punjab. Clinical examination and anthropometric measurements were used to determine the nutritional & health condition of the children.

Results: Three hundred thousand (300,000) children have been screened and a sample of 384 children was selected by adopting the prevalence formula. The overall prevalence of underweight was 21.1% (81) and stunting was 33.3% (128), dental caries in 11.5% (44), dental hygiene in 27.1% (104) and gums bleeding in 4.2% (16), anemia 1.8% (7), itching, scabies & eczema in 6.8% (26). Cough 13.3% (51), Eyesight weak (near & far sighted) 1.6% (6), Ear changes in form of discharge, wax, pain & otitis in 3.6% (14), behavioral changes such as irritant 14.8% (57), laziness in 3.9% (15) and in absence mind 4.4% (17) children.

Conclusion: The health & nutritional status of children was found substandard, especially in terms of nutritional deficiencies, dental, behavioral and skin issues along with personal hygiene. Apart from the daily educational programs in society; nutritional education, personal hygiene education, and fitness education should be prioritized. Furthermore, suggestions and measures according to the SDG 3 (Ensure healthy lives + promote well-being for all at all ages) should be taken to improve the health and nutritional status of children.

Author(s):

Shagufta Zareen

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