Morbidity Rate of Children in Preschool Age

Overview

The study observed the morbidity of children in preschool age (1996 - 1997) included in the project ELSPAC(European Longitudinal Study of Pregnancy and Childhood) held by WHO in several European countries.The set consists of children born within 1991 and 1992 who had their permanent habitation in districts Brnoand Znojmo. The study observed their morbidity rate from three to five years of age, the most frequent diagnosesof acute diseases, the range of used antibiotics, frequently occuring chronical diseases and the morbidity rate inrelationship with the age, sex and habitation.Higher occurence of some diseases in children within the given period (for example respiratory diseases, allergicreactions, children infectious diseases, developmental speech disorders etc.) was found in Brno when compared toZnojmo district as well as the difference in morbidity rate of boys and girls. The higher occurence of speechdisorders and injuries was found in boys of given age, while higher occurrence of urinary infections was found ingirls. The number of curative visits increased together with the age (especially in case of respiratory diseases anddiarrhoea). The hospitalisation took place themost often in case of children in suckling age, five years old childrenhave followed. The injury rate of children showed sharp linear growth till the age of three, after this age its levelremained the same. Due to treatment, the number of some chronical diseases at the age of five (eczema, strabismus,hypertrophy of tonsils) has decreased.

Key words:
child, morbidity, preschool age, ELSPAC