Provision of under-5 health services in an underprivileged area of Bangalore through urban health centre.

Abstract

Advancement have been made in health systems with regards to the improvement of child survival in the Country. However, children's growth and development are impacted due to the poverty, inequality, and social exclusion that intersects with health. This study aims to describe the community-based under-5 health services provided through an Urban Health Centre in an underprivileged area of Bangalore City. We analyzed the consultation data obtained from January 2019 to June 2024 from the Outpatient Under-5 clinic services and Under-5 camp services and conducted basic descriptive statistical analysis. We have described qualitatively the community perspectives of provision of home health services, health care team approach in addressing specific issues of children, health education approaches and our lactation counselling approach in the community. A total of 1045 consultations were made in the study period. Of these, 892 had a diagnosis. Most of the consultations consisted of follow-up (79.9%). Mean family income was INR 16,169. Early initiation of breastfeeding was not practiced in 45% of the children. Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months could be completed only by 36.6%. Most of them were diagnosed with malnutrition (311,71.65%). Most of the consultations were for moderate wasting (20.4%) and Severe Acute Malnutrition comprised of 132 of the consultations (14.79%). Of the 736 children screened in our under-5 camps, 3.94% had severe acute malnutrition. A comprehensive child health services comprising of outpatient services, camp approach, home health services, health education, lactation counselling, health care team approach with inclusion of community health workers is crucial for the complete care during early childhood.