Morbidity among Marathi Medium Primary School Students in Urban Area: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Students is the wealth of the nation as they constitute one of the major and important segments of the society. The foundation of good health and sound mind is laid during the school age period. Children undergo rapid change in the behavior and their health takes shape during this period. In view of this, study was conducted to assess the health status of the primary school students in urban area.

Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in urban area among Marathi medium private primary school children. The school was selected by non-probability convenient sampling method. All the students present in the school were included in the study. Pre-designed proforma was used to record the data. Data was entered in Microsoft Excel and analyzed. Chi-square test was applied. The statistical significance level was fixed at p<0.05.

Results: Total 269 primary school students were examined of which 06(02.23%), 08(02.97%) and 28(10.41%) were overweight, obese and underweight respectively.  20(07.43%) subjects were having poor personal hygiene. Total 128(47.58%) students were having one or more morbidity. Of the 128(47.58%) subjects with morbidity, 96(35.69%) were suffering from dental problems, 20(07.43%) were having ear wax, 42(15.61%) were having pallor and 10(03.72%) were suffering from upper respiratory tract infection. The proportion of morbid students was highest (57.41%) in 2^nd standard.

Conclusion: The common morbidities found among primary school children can be addressed with effective implementation of school health program. Parents and teachers should be actively involved in this initiative to achieve desired outcome.