Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Master Student at Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Tanta University, Egypt. 2Nursing Specialist at Dental Training Center, Damanhur, Egypt.
2
Professor of Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Tanta University, Egypt.
3
Assistant Professor of Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Tanta University, Egypt.
Abstract
Background: The indoor home environment significantly influences the physical
health status of young children. Aim of the study: was to assess the relationship
between the indoor home environment and physical health problems among under
five children. Design: Analytical cross sectional study design. Settings: The
current study was conducted at five Maternal and Child Health (MCH) centers in
Tanta City. Subjects: A convenience sample of 432 children under five years old
was included in the current study. Tool: A structured interview schedule was used
in the current study which consisted of three parts: Part I): Socio-demographic
characteristics of the child. Part II): Assessment of child's health status. Part III):
Assessing scoring system of indoor home environment. Results: more than two-
thirds (69.0%) of the studied children's mothers had un-sanitary indoor
environment, while less than one-third (31.0%) of them had sanitary indoor
environment. In addition, there was a statistical significance relation between
sanitary level of indoor home environment and prevalence of common physical
health problems such as respiratory, gastrointestinal, skin, eye and ear infections
as well as home accidents and frequency of childhood illness among under five
children. Conclusion and recommendations: poor housing conditions,
inadequate ventilation, improper waste disposal, and overcrowding contribute to
the prevalence of respiratory, gastrointestinal, skin, and infectious diseases among
under five children. Socio-demographic factors such as parental education,
occupation, and income levels also play a crucial role in determining household
sanitary conditions and, consequently, children's health outcomes. Community
health nurses should implement community-based awareness programs on home
hygiene and how to maintain sanitary indoor home environment to help parents
create a healthier environment for their children.
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