Abstract:
Data on the disadvantaged urban child is meagre. A
prospective survey of 60 households in Borella
North, each with at least one child under 2 years of
age, was carried out over 8 months. The
socioeconomic status, the physical environment and
the health of the population were investigated.
One hundred and ten families lived in the 60
households and 29% of the population were under the
age of 5 years. Only a minority of families had
regular employment. The source of water was the
roadside tap for 70% of households. Solid waste and
blocked drains were present in the environment. 80%
of homes were over-crowded. Family planning was
practised only by 17% of parents. 25% of under fives
were in grade 2 protein calorie malnutrition and 20%
of this age group needed at least one hospital
admission during the study period.
We conclude that the disadvantaged urban child has
health risks that need multidisciplinary interventions.
