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.
Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health, 2000; 29: 109-11
(Key words: Socially disadvantaged child, Sri Lanka)
doi: 10.4038/sljch.v29i4.748
Published on
14 Jul 2009.
Peer Reviewed
