A HEALTH STATUS REVIEW OF CHILDREN OF COMMERCIAL SEX WORKERS RESIDING IN A METROPOLITAN CITY AREA

Dr Meena Kakeri; Dr Chinmay N Gokhale; Dr Rakesh B Waghmare

Volume : VII, Issue : VIII, August - 2018

A HEALTH STATUS REVIEW OF CHILDREN OF COMMERCIAL SEX WORKERS RESIDING IN A METROPOLITAN CITY AREA

Dr Meena Kakeri, Dr Chinmay N Gokhale, Dr Rakesh B Waghmare

Abstract :

Introduction: Commercial Sex work is one amongst the oldest professions in the history of mankind. Besides commercial sex work, routine social activities go on in any red light area which includes pregnancy, childbirth and reå of children. The children in such an area are at high risk of being deprived of education, protection and healthcare. Hence, this study was planned to review the health status of children of Commercial Sex Workers.

Objectives:

1. To assess the morbidity profile of children of Commercial Sex Workers of study area.

2. To assess the nutrition status of children of Commercial Sex Workers of study area.

Methodology: It was a cross–sectional study carried out in red light area of Mumbai city with the help of a local NGO. Information was obtained from children, their mothers (CSWs) and local NGO workers.

Results & Conclusions: A total of 81 children were included in this study, which were almost equally distributed over three five–yearly age groups (5–9, 10–14 and 15–19 years). 18.5% had skin itching and 21% had pain in gums and teeth. On examination it was seen that 14 out of 81 had clinically evident pallor. It was found that 34 participants had Dental Caries, 19 had ear wax while 12 had refractive errors.