The survery of physical health status of school age in Saravan city

Abstract

This is a descriptive- analytic study has been conducted in order to assessing physical health status of male students ranging 6-12 years old studying in academic year 1998- 1999 in city of Saravan . In this study 400 boys aged between 6- 12 years , of 1th to 5th grades were selected randomly from boy’s primary school in Saravan city based on polyphasic sampling , and then were evaluated from these variables: physical growth ( height, weight) , health conditions of vision , hearing , mouth and tooth. The data collected by questionnaire and observation record sheets . several instruments have been utilized for examination ( eg : measuring tape , weighting scale , Snellen chart , tuning fork, flashlight and spachula ). The median values for heights and weights of children subjects in all of age groups positioned below the 25 the percentile of national center of health statistics (N.C.H.S) the height of 28.5% and the weight of 28% of chidren subjected were under the 5 the percentile of N.C.H.S. 22.7% of under research individuals had reduced visual acuity in varying degrees ( 0.9- 0.4) in one or both eyes 5.5% of individuals were subjected to whisper test and were found to have hearing loss in one or both ears. 84% of students in the present research were having decay in primary or permanent teeth .Comparing average value of height and weight related to students under the research in age groups of 6-8 and 9 years with demographic specifications , it wase found that there is a positive correlation between the average of weight and height and the parent’s educations and occupation ( specially mothers) (p=0.03,p=0.01) . In general , results revealed that physical health status of target population is undesired,therfore , considering the importance of early diagnosis and cure , such screening shoud be performed in children at school