Do gender differences exist in health status of rural  school children of Central India?

Dr. Akre Charuhas V; Dr. Sukhsohale Neelam D; Dr. Kubde Sanjay S; Dr Khamgaonkar Mohan B

Volume : III, Issue : XI, November - 2013

Do gender differences exist in health status of rural school children of Central India?

Dr. Akre Charuhas V, Dr. Sukhsohale Neelam D, Dr. Kubde Sanjay S, Dr Khamgaonkar Mohan B

Abstract :

The morbidity pattern and nutritional profile was evaluated in 735 (413 boys and 322 girls) rural school children. All children underwent detailed clinical examination including hemoglobin estimation and immunization status. On analysis of data, study findings revealed the better immunization status of male students as compared to female students. Also, the prevalence of co morbidities like anaemia, gross malnutrition, vitamin A deficiency disorders (conjunctival xerosis, bitots spots), vitamin B complex deficiency disorders (cheilosis, stomatitis), scabies, otitis media, myopia, conjunctivitis, squint, diarrhea and worm infestations were significantly more common in female children than male children. The present study findings indicate that rural girls experienced greater crisis in terms of significant morbidities than their boys’ counterparts. So there is an urgent need for interventional measures so as to prevent common morbidities and promote the health of children particularly females in rural settings.