INTRODUCTION TO CHILD HEALTH

FOR NURSING STUDENTS

1. UNIT-1 INTRODUCTION TO CHILD HEALTH BY JOSY JOMON M.SC NURSING (PEDIATRICS) VICE- PRINCIPAL, MEERUT NURSING COLLEGE

2. CONCEPT OF CHILD HEALTH The term pediatric derived from the geek words, ‘ pedia ’ means child , ‘ iatric ’ means branch of science . Thus, Pediatrics means the science of child care and scientific treatment of childhood disease .

3. DEFINITION Pediatrics can be defined as the branch of medical science that deals with the care of children from conception to adolescence in health and illness…

4. It is concerned with preventive,promotive, curative and rehabilitative care for the children.

5. WHY DO YOU NEED CHILD HEALTH? Children are major consumers of health care. In India, about 35% of total population are children below 15years of age. They are vulnerable to various health problems and considered as a special group.

6. FACTORS AFFECTING CHILD HEALTH Maternal health Family health Socioeconomic situation Environmental factors Social support Health care facilities.

7. MATERNAL HEALTH It is a major determinant of child health The healthy mother brings forth a healthy baby with better chance of survival. Child health is adversely affected, if the mother is malnourished or diseased. Mother’s age,parity,prepregnant health, antenatal care and lack of spacing between two child affect the health of the child.

8. FAMILY HEALTH It depends upon family’s physical and social environment which includes the life style,culture,customs,taboos,rituals,religious practices, traditional habits etc…… Family size, family relationship and family stability also influence the child health.

9. Socioeconomic condition of the family This is very important factor in child health The physical and intellectual development of children varies with the socioecnomic status of the family. Parents education,profession,income,housing,urban or rural living, industrial life,etc are significant factors which influence on child health. Poverty,ignorance,superstition,illiteracy especially mother’s illiteracy and sickness pass from one generation to next.

10. Environmental factors It plays very great role as determinats of childhood and infant and childhood morbidity and mortality. Insanitary and hostile environment are responsible for various illnesses like infections,infestations,acccidents etc. Home and family hygeine, local epidemiological conditions, insufficient supply of safe water, inadequate disposal of human excreta and other waste …..

11. Healthy environmental stimulation as interpersonal relationship. Congenial family relationship. Healthy interaction with neighbours, teachers, schoolmates and playmates. Exposure to mass media like radio,television,magazines

12. Social support Measures from the community and organized health care systems are indispensible for improvement and maintenance of health status of children.