Rural child health: Morbidity patterns in under-five children in Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh – A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Under-five is the most vulnerable age group for morbidity, and this section of the population is a pillar of a healthy developed nation. In developing countries, infectious diseases, such as acute respiratory infections, diarrhea, malaria, and whooping cough, are found to be the leading causes of morbidity and premature death. Aim and Objective: The present study aims to describe the morbidity pattern among children under 5 years of age and analyzing the variables which affect the pattern of morbidity. Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in a rural field area in Guntur district for 2 months from May to September 2021. Data were collected from 150 under-five children by means of interviews with a pretested questionnaire after prior institutional ethics committee approval and informed consent. Results: Out of 150 children, 67.3% of the study population lived below the poverty line. Based on the anthropometric measurements, about 22.6% were mildly undernourished. The most common morbidity was anemia with 42.7% of children being affected and 22.7% had worm infestations. The prevalence of morbidity was higher in children living in kaccha houses (69.7%), municipal water users (73.8%), houses with inadequate ventilation and overcrowding (68.6%), and also in breastfed children for <1 year. Conclusion: Most of the causes of under-five morbidity can be easily prevented if mothers are made well aware of proper nutrition, early and exclusive breastfeeding, good hygienic practices, and sanitation. They should be encouraged to utilize maternal and child health-care services and primary health care for better growth of the children.