| Abstract: | The morbidity pattern and nutritional profile was evaluated of school children who resided around Mosaboni Copper Mines and in surrounding villages of Ghatsila subdivision in Singhbhum district of Bihar State, India. A total of 1424 school children (816 boys and 608 girls) between 5-17 years old were studied. Children were examined on school premises with the assistance of teachers and health visitors. Body weight and height, nutritional deficiency signs, common infective conditions, and cardiac murmurs were recorded. Evidence of morbidity was found in 52.8% boys and 67.4% girls. 11.9% boys and 12.2% girls had 2 or more conditions existing together. The average number of children per family was 5.13; it was 4.77 in families with no child illness; 5.03 with 1 illness and 6.94 if 2 or more morbid conditions were found in a child. Approximately 2% girls over 12 years old had dysmenorrhea and polymenorrhea. Only 15.4% of boys and 19% of girls weighed above 80% of the 50th percentile of the Harvard Standard. 76.4% of boys and 71.7% of girls weighed between 61% and 80%, while 8.1% of boys and 9.l% of girls weighed less than 60%. 20% of boys and girls showed features of stunting. Deficiencies of Vitamin B-complex and Vitamin A as well as clinical anemia were common while rickets and scurvy were rare. The prevalence of worm infestation, lymphadenopathy as well as skin and respiratory infections were lower than in some other studies. Dental caries was observed in 21% of cases, but the prevalence of periodontal disease and malocclusion was higher than reported by others. Convulsive disorders and myopia were less common than in urban school children. Prevalence of congenital cardiac lesions was higher than in urban studies probably due to heredity. Nutritional supplementation in schools, regular medical checkups of school children, and health education of the community with emphasis on small family norms could improve the overall health status of rural children. |
