Prevalence of ‘At Risk’ Under-Five Children in a Rural Area

What is the point prevalence of ‘at risk’ under-five children in the rural area?

To estimate the point prevalence of ‘at risk’ under-five children and the association of demographic, socio-economic and environmental factors with ‘at risk’ children.

Cross-Sectional Study.

July 2000 to June 2001.

Pachhad Block of Distt. Sirmour, H.P.

A total of 612 under-five children found in the study area of Pachhad Block.

Various ‘risk factors’ like weight below 70% of the reference standard, introduction of bottle feeding before six months, birth weight of less than 2500 gms, twins etc.

Chi-square Test.

‘At risk’ children identified were 65.7%. Children in 0-5 years age group constituted 10.1% of total population. Literacy of parents and prevalence of ‘at risk’ children had inverse relation. ‘At risk’ children living in house with unsatisfactory lighting and ventilation were 68.4%.

Identification of ‘at risk’ children will help in providing them more efficient child health care through ‘risk approach’ strategy.