A Cross-sectional study to assess Morbidity patterns among Primary school children in Urban and Rural areas of District Gautam Buddha Nagar.

Abstract

Introduction: Morbidity among primary school children is a significant public health concern, with patterns varying across urban and rural settings due to socio-economic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.

Objectives: To assess and compare the prevalence and patterns of morbidities among primary school-going children in urban and rural areas of District Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to May 2024 in four randomly selected government primary schools—two each from urban and rural areas. All students from classes I–V present on the day of the health camp, with parental consent, were examined. Data on socio-demographic characteristics and morbidity patterns were collected using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v22.0.

Results: Of 303 participants (119 rural, 184 urban), overall morbidity prevalence was high in both groups (80.67% rural; 83.70% urban). Gastrointestinal (48.73%) and ocular morbidities (55.46%) were significantly more prevalent among rural primary school children, whereas dental (36.95%) and ear morbidities (34.23%) were more commonly observed in their urban counterparts. Respiratory, throat, nose morbidities, and micronutrient deficiencies showed no significant differences. Nutritional assessment revealed a higher Prevalence of underweight (20.16%) and stunting (46.21%) in rural children, indicating chronic nutritional deprivation

Conclusion: The study highlights distinct morbidity profiles between rural and urban primary school children, underscoring the need for tailored school health programs focusing on preventable conditions such as ocular, dental, gastrointestinal, and nutritional problems.

Keywords: MORBIDITY PATTERNS, PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN, RURAL, URBAN.