[A community approach to health of young children in the three rural cantons of Monts du Forez]. / Une approche communautaire de la santé des jeunes enfants dans trois cantons ruraux des Monts du Forez.

Recently a survey was done on the health of 0 to 6 year old children living in three rural districts within the Loire departement (Boen, Noirétable, St George en Couzan), from 1991 to 1995. Literature review, interview of professionals and families provide information regarding the children's state of health and the main factors influencing it. Even though it appears that the families cope with somatic diseases until the child is two, subsequent child behavior disorders problems are not properly addressed. Similarly difficulties are encountered in the field of prevention. The social, demographic and economic context, a deficient or inadequate health service network, the lack of day care centre are all factors that can explain the reported isolation and its impact on the child development and socialization. This report enabled actions to be prioritized, whose a partnership between a local association and maternal-child health centers to provide solutions to isolation.