Loading

Research Article Open Access
Volume 5 | Issue 1 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.46439/biomedres.5.049

Dietary habit, hygiene practice, and disease status among street children: A cross sectional survey

  • 1Bachelor of Public Health, German University Bangladesh
  • 2Master of Public Health, North South University, Bangladesh
  • 3Senior Project Assistant (Camp Health Focal), IOM-UN Migration, Bangladesh
  • 4Surveillance Medical Officer, National Heart Foundation, Bangladesh
  • 5Medical Officer, Green Hill Community Partners International, Bangladesh
+ Affiliations - Affiliations

Corresponding Author

Khondoker Monir Hossen, monoarmunna@yahoo.com

Received Date: August 12, 2024

Accepted Date: August 26, 2024

Abstract

Child rag pickers in Dhaka city are increasing and very little known about their conditions and nutritional status. They lead a very vulnerable life and high risk of prone to different kinds of diseases. An observational cross-sectional study was carried out at selected areas of Dhaka to assess food habit, hygiene practice and disease pattern of street children. Data were collected from conveniently selected different areas of Dhaka City like Sadarghat, Gabtoli, Gulistan Airport, Kamlapur railway station. Total 150 street children were interviewed with semi structured pretested questionnaire by face to face interview. Disease history was taken from last six months. The mean age of the children was 10.55 ± 2.96 years. More than half (66.7%) of the respondents were boys. About half of the respondents were day labor. About 83.8% respondents did not have any disease currently. Fever, diarrhea, skin disease, and common cold were seen among 20%-30% respondents. More than 80% respondents had good appetite. Fish and fruits were taken randomly. They did not cut nail on regular basis. It is concluded that street children suffered those diseases which were preventable.

Keywords

Disease, Street children, Survey

Author Information X