Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Poor health, poor nutrition and disability can be barriers to attending school and to learning.1 Schools are sacred because they provide an environment, for learning skills, and for development of intelligence that can be utilized by students to achieve their goals in life. It is also observed that “to learn effectively, children need good health.” Health is key factor in school entry, as well as continued participation and attainment in school. Aims &
Objective: To study health profile of children of boarding schools of Gandhinagar district.
Materials and Methods: The study was a cross sectional study. After taking the permission of principal of resident schools and consent of the parents of children, 867 children from 8 boarding schools were examined for nutritional deficiencies during February- March 2011.
Results: Age of the study children (total 867) ranged from 5-19 years. (Mean age = 13.80 ± 1.96 years). Out of 867, 434 (49.9%) were boys and 433 (50.1%) were girls. Vitamin A deficiency was present in 54 (6.2%) children. Vitamin B complex deficiency signs were seen in 179 (20.6%) children. Vitamin C deficiency signs were seen in 86 (9.9%) children. PEM was observed in 77 (8.9%) children. The study revealed that 46.7% girls were suffering from anaemia compare to 37.3% of boys. 122 (12.9%) children had visual impairment. Almost 22% of study population was suffering from dental caries. Wax in ears was present in 816 (94.1%) children. Conclusion: Poor personal hygiene and nutritional deficiency among these children needs great attention and health education.