Research article

Socio – Economic and demographic factors affecting child health in Rural Areas of Tehsil Jehanian District Khanewal

Atta UR Rehman

Margalla College of Pharmacy, Argalla Institute of Health sciences, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

Author E-mail: attaurrehman1987@yahoo.com

Accepted 07 January 2015

Abstract

The study was conducted with the objective to ascertain relationship of socio- economic and demographic factors and child health in rural areas of Tehsil Jahanian of District Khanewal One hundred and fifty women of child bearing age 19-50 years with two children of less than five years were taken at random for investigations. The study design was cross sectional design and study was based on comprehensive questionnaire. The study led to the conclusion that substantial number of women in study was illiterate and poor. More than half the deliveries were administered by untrained village lady at home. Forty percent women had more than four children and common disease among children was diarrhea. The health facilities were not adequate and those available were not utilized, as women were hesitant to medical checkup and disease children were taken to the local medical practitioner. This is suggested that mother and child health may be assigned top priority for betterment of country and society.

Keywords: Socio- economic, demographic factors, child health, rural areas, health facilities