Assessment of immunization, educational, nutritional states among homeless children in Tikrit city

Abstract

Homelessness or as they called street children in the community, is a term for children experiencing who live on the streets of a city. The screening of this group of society is important to help in providing health care and good education. This study is designed to assess the nutritional state by depending on body mass index measurement, knowledge about immunization and education among homeless children in Tikrit city.
The study is cross section conducted in Tikrit city from March 15 2014 to April 15 2014 which included 60 homeless children chosen randomly. Data collected by direct interview of group members with homeless children, then data presented by simple tables and figures.
The study found that (83,4%) of homeless children were male, and about 32(53.3%) at (6-12) years old. (56.7%) of then had primary education and 26(43.3%) had knowledge about immunization. Finally we conclude that the knowledge of homeless children about PHC role about vaccination was moderately good, their parents were still married, and unemployed. Homeless children lived in crowded
houses.

The study recommended to do surveillance for young homeless children, monitoring of school attendance and academic performance, and assessment of mental status for homeless adolescents are recommended to facilitate early identification of problems and delivery of necessary interventions. For
young children, providers of health care to the homeless should be well networked into the carly intervention in their locality. Given the multiplicity of needs for homeless families, which of course includes help finding affordable housing, health care providers serving this population should also develop linkages with community agencies, including those that can help parents develop the skills necessary for cconomic self-sufficiency.