HEALTH STATUS OF SCHOOL CHILDREN OF POKHARA VALLEY, NEPAL

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe cross sectional study to assess the health and nutritional status of school children in the age group of4-15 years was carried out in 6 government primary schools of Pokhara valley by health team of thedepartment of Social & Preventive Medicine (SPM), Manipal College of Medical Science, Pokhara, Nepal.A total of 750 students of both sexes, 368 boys and 382 girls were examined. The prevalence of wasting andstunting in these children were low (10.3% & 15.7% respectively) with boys suffering more than girls inboth aspects. The 6-10 years old children were affected most. Pediculosis, Dental caries and Worm infestationwere three most common diseases suffered by students. The study highlighted the need for continuation ofschool health services aimed at improvement of their health & nutritional status.Key Words: School Children, Health Status, Wasting, Stunting.