Health Assessment of Rural Primary School Children in Raipur, Chhattisgarh: Findings from a Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Optimal health status during childhood and adolescence is the foundation for future health and well-being. Habits formed in this period could prevent the early development of chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the health status of primary school children in terms of morbidity, growth, dietary behavior, and hygiene. Materials and Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from an opportunistic screening of rural primary school in Raipur district, Chhattisgarh. All primary class children were included resulting in a sample of 215. Data were collected using Google forms and analyzed with Stata v16. Results: Of 215 children, only 45.6% were appropriately vaccinated till date, 70.2% had not taken vitamin A regularly; prophylactic iron and folic acid (IFA) and albendazole were taken regularly by 23.7% and 69.8% of children. Children with active complaints were 25% and 43.7% had dental caries. The percentage of children with grade 3, grade 2, grade 1 thinness, normal, and overweight were 15.4%, 22.3%, 36.7%, 24.7%, and 0.9%, respectively; and did not differ significantly between boys and girls. The mean weight and height were significantly lower at all ages for both boys and girls in comparison with Indian council of medical research standards with a maximum difference at 11 years (MD, −10.31 kg; 95% confidence interval, −12.55 to −8.08). The dietary behavior and hygiene practice was suboptimal in the study population. Conclusion: Thinness/underweight and stunting remain a significant problem among school-going children and adolescents. Change in dietary pattern with increased consumption of junk food and carbonated drinks could be a concern among school-age children.