Assessment of the status of the health of Shiraz's primary school's children 2001-2002

Background and Ïn this study, The prevalence of some of the most important and prevalente disorders, affecting the health status of children, has been assessed in primary schools children of Shiraz and the age- and sex-specific prevalence rate of these disorders has been calculated. Ïn addition, the prevalence rates were calculated in different regions of the city. This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study and the sampling method was Multistage Random Sampling. The instrument was quastionnaire and the cases were examined by general practitioners. The research was done in 2001-2002 study year, The results were analyzed using Z test and Çhi Square test, at significance level of 0.05. The prevalence rates of studied disorders were: Ünderweight: 14.46%, Ôverweight: 2.96%, Visual acuity impairment: 7%, Hearing impairments: 0.92%, Dental carries 63.68%, Depression: 0.31%, Ënuresis: 1%, and Speech impediment: 0.77%. The most prevalent of which was dental carries, and the least prevalent disorder was depression (P<0.0001) implying the present need to dental and nutritional health promotion in the primary schools. Âmong the age- and sex-specifil prevalence rates, there were some significant differences, including: Ôverweight in girls was more prevalent than in boys (P<0.004), and underwight in the 7-8 year age group was more prevalente than in the 9-11 year age group (P<0.000001). This shows the importantc of nutrition and physical activities in the girls and in lower age groups. Çonclusion: We concluded, the total prevalences of mental disorders, showed significant differences among different regions of city (P<0.044) implying the need for more specific studies regarding mental disorders, specially in regions of the city with lower socio-economic levels.