Morbidity profile of Preschool children in a rural community of Shimoga, Karnataka

Introduction: Ensuring healthy growth and development of children should be a prime concern of all the countries as they are the future citizens of a country. Preschool children represents the most vulnerable group and they suffer from highest morbidity. There are geographical differences in the nature and extent of morbidities highlighting the need for area specific strategies and interventions. Materials and Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted for a duration of one year from January 2013 to December 2013 in the catchment area of PHC Aaynoor, Shimoga, Karnataka. Cluster sampling technique was used for sample selection and 400 preschool children were included by house to house visit. Data was collected using a pretested and semi - structured questionnaire by interviewing the mothers/guardian. Data thus obtained were entered and analyzed using WHO Epi-info software version 3.5.4. Results: The prevalence of morbidity among study subjects was 20.25%. Acute respiratory infections were the most common morbidities affecting majority of the preschool children. Morbidity was found to be significantly associated with age, number of siblings and the paternal literacy of the child. Conclusion: The present study findings may have important implications for policy-makers and planners seeking to improve child health.