Study of Health Profile of Children Placed in Remand Home

Context: Children are one of the most vulnerable groups of societies and are at risk of many social evils. They should be identified and provided protective environment and loving care for their adequate growth and development. Aims: To study the Health Profile of children placed in Remand Home. Settings and Design: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study carried out in a government run Remand home in Solapur. Methods and Material: Based on the pilot study, 200 children were included in the study. They were examined regarding their physical and psychological health. If necessary help from remand home authorities, parents and friends, social workers and teachers was taken. Physical examination of children and psychological examination with the help of Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire was done. Statistical analysis used: Chi square test. Results: Out of 200 children, 78 were delinquent and 122 were non-delinquent. 144 were boys and 56 were girls. Most common reason of admission was financial constraints among non-delinquents and theft among delinquents. In conduct problem scale delinquents and non-delinquents significantly differed but not in case of scales. Overall one or more behavioural problems were seen in 50% of children in Remand Home. One or more physical morbidities were seen in 66.5% of children. Conclusion: In 5 different scales of SDQ scores, 6-30% children were found abnormal. Most of the children belonged to normal and borderline range. One or more physical morbidities were seen in 66.5% of children.