Priority health problems of children in an urban community.

A survey was conducted in an urban Indian community to investigate the prevalence and epidemiology of health problems in children from birth up to 8 years of age. The prevalences of priority health problems in this age group were as follows: dental caries (90%), undernutrition (68,8%), failure to obtain measles immunization (57,2%) and skin infestations (14,9%). The significant epidemiological parameters investigated included family size, per capita family income, immunization and nutritional status. The influence of these factors upon health problems is considered. The availability and utilization of comprehensive health services were investigated. Problems associated with health screening as a method of determining health problems are discussed.