Problems of the socially disadvantaged child in Colombo : a pilot project

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