Study of morbidity pattern of under-fives in paediatrics OPD of a tertiary care hospital in a rural area of Uttar Pradesh.

ABSTRACT

Background: Children under-five are most vulnerable for malnutrition and infection. Morbidity pattern of this age group has several determinants like socio-economic status, basic education, occupation, socio-cultural practices, living environment etc. Objectives: To study the morbidity pattern in under-five children and to find out it’s association with various factors. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in paediatrics OPD of a tertiary care level hospital in rural area of Etawah District of Uttar Pradesh for three months. We included 379 children by random sampling design. Mothers of children were interviewed using a predesigned schedule. Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. Results: Commonest morbidity was malnutrition (70.71%), followed by ARI (63.59%), anaemia (47.76%), diarrhea (20.58%), malaria (13.33%) and worm infestation (10.03%) while around 25 percent suffered from other illnesses. Most common symptom was fever (70.71%) and cough (62.8%). A statistically significant association was found in morbidity pattern of ARI, diarrhea, malaria, malnutrition and anaemia with various factors like education, socio-economic status, and occupation. Congenital anomalies were found in around 3 percent children. 3.69 percent children were admitted in wards from OPD. Conclusion: Common childhood illnesses were prevalent though children suffered from serious illnesses on very few occasions.