Causes of morbidity in children attending a primary health centre

Summary

An analysis of pediatric attendances at Dyalpur Health Centre in Haryana, was undertaken covering a period of 15 months. It was found that the pediatric group constituted 44.1% of the total attendances. The ten leading causes of morbidity were upper respiratory tract infections, gastroenteritis, superficial infections of the skin, pyrexia of unknown origin, ulcers and injury, otitis media, anaemia, lower respiratory tract infection, pain in the abdomen, and scabies. Morbidity was lowest during the 1st month of life, rising thereafter until the 1st year, showing a fall in the 1–2 year age group and subsequently a gradual rise. There was no significant difference in the sex ratio in various diseases. The generally recognised seasonal pattern is noted. Comparison is made with other similar studies in rural and urban areas and the differences discussed.

It is recommended that analysis of the out-patients’ attendance should be undertaken in more health centres, so that the leading 10 to 12 causes are known. A plan should then be formulated to deal with these most expeditiously and economically to save the doctor from the deluge of curative work and leave him time to attend to the preventive aspects. Only then can the objectives outlined by the health and planning committees of the Government of India 1944, 1959, and 1961 be realised.