Evaluation of physical and mental health status of orphan children living in orphanages in Sonitpur district of Assam: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background Orphan children living in orphanages are often neglected. These children's physical and mental health status is essential as they are highly prone to malnourishment and psychosocial distress. We aim to evaluate the orphan children's physical and psychosocial status living in orphanages. Methods This study adopted a cross-sectional research design conducted with the children living in the orphanages using a pretested, predesigned schedule. A total of 83 children (aged 5 to 19 years) living in three different orphanages in the Sonitpur District of Assam were randomly selected for the study. Body Mass Index (BMI) for age and height were then determined using WHO standards. Thinness was defined as BMI for age below -2 SD (Standard Deviation) and thinness as height for age below -2 SD. The behavioural and mental status of children aged 10–19 years were evaluated using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ-21) with a cut-off value of SDQ score > 15 as the presence of emotional and behavioural distress. Results Almost 50% of orphans were in the age group of 10–14 years, 62.7% were females, and 42.2% had a primary level of education. 52.5% of orphans exhibited severe thinness for < -3 SD. Observed severe thinness more among the 5–9 years and 10–14 years (p-value < 0.05) group and among the male orphans (p-value < 0.05). Of 65 children aged 10–19, 18.5% had behavioural and mental distress. Emotional (32.3%) and poor conduct problems (23%) were observed significantly among male adolescents. Conclusions Orphaned children, particularly those living in orphanages, are at risk of malnutrition and experience behavioural and psychosocial problems. Frequent assessments of their physical and mental health are advocated for early detection, prevention, and timely intervention.

Socio-ecological drivers of vulnerabilities of children living within orphan homes and the implications for their nurturance care

“…This study not only supports findings from previous works reporting feelings of stigmatization among the children ( 37 , 38 ), but it also shows how this contributes to the stigmatization of the children. Previous studies ( 39 , 40 ) have identified orphanage children and adolescents with emotional issues such as post-traumatic disorders. These early experiences of trauma could set the stage for the diverse emotional problems that are identified among children living within orphan homes in their later years.…”

Health problems and their associated factors among orphan children living in orphanage of Bhubaneswar

“…In Shukla et al (2011), the highest percentage of children (29%) fell within the age group of 13-14 years [15] . Mahanta et al (2022), reported that the majority (49.4%) of orphans belonged to the 10-14 age group [16] .…”

Evaluasi Kesehatan Mental Pada Anak Yang Tinggal Di Panti Asuhan Kristen X Di Semarang: Preliminary Study

“…Perkembangan anak secara keseluruhan dipengaruhi oleh masalah perilaku dan mental, yang mungkin berdampak negatif pada hasil akademis dan sosial mereka saat dewasa. 8 Penelitian mengenai kesehatan mental pada anak-anak panti asuhan di Semarang belum pernah dilakukan sebelumnya. Sehubungan dengan hal itu, penelitian ini memiliki tujuan untuk melakukan evaluasi kesehatan mental pada anak-anak yang tinggal di Panti Asuhan Kristen X, Semarang.…”