2. CHILD HEALTH PROBLEMS
In the developing country like India, the child health care
givers are facing a large numbers of problems. The
measures health problems include low birth weight,
malnutrition, infections and infestations, accidents and
poisoning, behavioral problems, etc.
3. Low birth weight (LBW)
It is the single most important determinant of the chances of
survival, and healthy development of children. In
countries, where the incidence of LBW infants is less,
there preterm birth is the major cause.
WHO estimated that globally about 17 percent of all live
births are LBW babies.
4. Malnutrition
Malnutrition in infancy and childhood leads to growth
retardation. Undernourished children do not grow to their
full potential of physical and mental abilities. The most
frequent nutritional deficiency states are protein-energy
malnutrition, vitamin- “A” deficiency, nutritional anemia,
iodine deficiency, etc.
5. Infection and parasitic infestation
These are very common in children. The leading childhood
infections are diarrhea, respiratory infections, measles,
tuberculosis, pertussis, poliomyelitis, neonatal tetanus and
diphtheria.
Malaria and intestinal parasitosis including round worm,
hookworm, tapeworm, giardiasis and amebiasis are
frequently seen in children due to poor environmental
sanitation, inadequate hygiene measures, unhygienic food
and unsafe water.
6. Accidents and poisoning
These are relatively more important child health problems
in developed countries. But in developing countries like
India, accidents are frequently among children especially
the home accident like burns, fall and poisoning due to
inefficient child rearing practice.
Outdoor accidents are also increasing in numbers among
children specially road traffic accidents.
7. Behavioral disorders
These are another increasing child health problems due
to disturbances in family relationship, inadequate
parent-child interaction, broken family, lack of
education, inappropriate socioeconomic support and
situational unrest. Juvenile delinquencies, educational
backwardness, habit disorders, personality problems,
emotional disturbance, sexual promiscuity.
8. Others
Twin births
Birth order 5 or more
Spacing of children less than 2 years
Death of either or both parents
No breastfeeding or insufficient breastfeeding along wit
artificial feeding.
