Health status of School Children in a Tribal Colony near Bengaluru, Karnataka - A Cross Sectional Study.

Background: Health of children plays an indispensable role in the development of the country. Nutrition and health of the tribal children continue to be a pressing concern in India. Biochemical and hematological examination of children is an essential tool for assessment of health status, early identification of preventable risk factors and for diagnosis of various diseases. Objective: To assess the health status of Hakki Pikki tribal school children by evaluating the biochemical and haematological parameters. Materials and Methods: This was a community based cross sectional study of 76(Boys-32 and Girls-44) Hakki Pikki tribal children studying at Government Higher Primary School, Hakki Pikki Colony, Gowripura, Bengaluru Karnataka, India. Biochemical and haematological parameters were determined in accordance with standard operating procedures followed by good laboratory practices. Results: The study group consisted of children aged between 6 to 17 years, among them 32 students were males and 44 were females.21(11-boys and 10-girls) children were under weight and 02 girls were overweight. The common ailments found were, dental carries (2.63%), ear discharge (2.63%), anaemia (3.94%), Impetigo (7.89%).Comparing between Boys and Girls less than or equal to 10 years of age there was a significant difference in Creatinine as p-value< 0.05. There was a significant difference in Creatinine, Uric acid, AST, ALT, total protein, albumin, HbA1C and Haemoglobin when comparing between Boys and Girls of age greater than 10 years p-value < 0.05.In these tribal children the distribution of biochemical and haematological parameters values considerably follows the reported reference values. Conclusions: This study highlights a puzzling situation of health status among these Hakki Pikki tribal children due to apparent change in socio cultural, lifestyle, nutrition, and urbanization. Under weight has emanated as a solemn problem unless addressed.