Health problems among preschool children attending two health centers in Mansoura, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Preschool children are among the most vulnerable segment of society, suffering from high rates of illnesses. Objective: to provide up-to date estimation of the prevalence of common health problems among preschool children. Additionally, to define the sociodemographic predictors of these health problems. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study with analytic component conducted among preschool children who were attending two health centres in Mansoura, Egypt. A semi-structured interview questionnaire was designed to collect data. Additional physical examination & laboratory investigations were performed. Results: A total 400 studied children were included. Mean age was 31.1±12.4 months and 54.2% were males. The main health problems were parasitic infestations (58.5%), dental problems (51.8%), anaemia (31.5%), overweight/obesity (25.8%), and underweight for age (23.8%). Predictors of anaemia included age from 12 to <24 months (OR=30.5), mixed and artificial feeding (OR=60.0 & 33.0, respectively), parasitic infestations (OR=14.4) and underweight for age (OR=30.0). Predictors of obesity included age from 48 to 60 months (OR=4.5) and mixed feeding (OR=1.25). Predictors of underweight included age groups <48 months (OR=1.05-1.048), artificial and breast feeding (OR=54.3 & 30.98, respectively). Predictors of parasitic infestations; rural residence (OR=1.51), artificial feeding (OR=17.3). Predictors of dental problems included only NICU admission (OR=2.71). Conclusions: Parasitic infestations, dental problems, overweight/obesity, anaemia and underweight for age are most common health problems among preschool children. Parents should be encouraged to attend regular check-ups of their children including dental examination. Visits should focus on nutritional education, iron supplementation, personal hygiene, and vaccination. INTRODUCTION Preschool children are defined as children aged 1 to 5 years old. This is a critical time in one's life because this age is associated with rapid growth and development. Growing children are nutritionally fragile, and as future citizens of the country, their health determines the nation's strength and pride. 1 Many factors affect children in this critical age, water cleanliness and air pollution are two environmental aims and indicators that are important to this group. 2 Inadequate nutrition has also been identified as a risk factor for the development of diseases that impact children's growth and development. 3 The ARIs are widely prevalent and they are the greatest cause of high morbidity and mortality in children under the age of five, as well as the most common reason for seeking medical help around the world. ARIs account for 30-50% of pediatric medical consultations and 20-40% of pediatric hospitalizations. Poverty, limited family finances, low parental education, lack of