Health status of school going children: a cross-sectional study in rural area of Lucknow

Background: School age is a dynamic period where physical, mental and emotional growth of the child occurs, so that child can smoothly turn into an adult. It is also a critical period where child is vulnerable to many communicable and non- communicable diseases due to variations in the living conditions, immunity status, socioeconomic, and cultural factors. Objective of this study was to assess the health and nutritional status of the school going children in rural area of Lucknow and to determine the association of health problems with their socio demographic variables. Methods: A quantitative research approach and a non-experimental descriptive cross sectional research design were used. The sample size of 150 school going children was selected by using non-probability convenient sampling technique. The written consent was obtained from sample. The tools used were, Performa of demographic variables, checklist to assess the health problem of school going children. Results: the results of the study revealed that majority of the school children 28.7% were underweight and 10% were overweight, vision problem (40%). hearing problems (2%) dental problem (debris) (34%), dental problem (18.7 calculus) (%). Conclusions: The study concluded that majority of the children were suffering from one or other common health problems while only few reported to be completely healthy. There is a need to create awareness regarding the reasons for common physical health problems to children and parents and to encourage practicing a healthy lifestyle.