Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part B (2024)

Background: Socio-demographic determinants of child health in urban Bangladesh shed light on the problem of more extensive urbanization and inequality. Knowledge of these relationships is therefore paramount in the formulation of operation and intervention strategies within the health sector. Objective: This study was conducted to assess the relationship between the disease patterns of children attending Mugda Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh, and their socio-demographic characteristics.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was done on patients attending the Pediatrics Outpatient Department from January to June 2024. Luckily, primary data regarding the socio-demographic characteristics and disease prevalence data among children were gathered through a purposive sample of 450 children, interviews, and medical records.

Results: The findings demonstrate the relationship between socio-demographic characteristics and pediatric health in urban Bangladesh. The study population comprised 55% boys and 45% girls, with 60% from lower economic status. Maternal education levels were high, with 65% of mothers being higher secondary education. Disease patterns varied by age group: diarrhea (30%) was most common in neonates, while fever (40%) predominated in children aged 1-5 years. Nutritional issues persisted, with 10% low birth weight and 5% acute malnutrition. High rates of maternal counseling were observed across various health topics.

Conclusion: The Study was able to identify the gaps in the understanding of pediatric healthcare and how these can help design better policies for the improvement of such healthcare delivery in urban areas with possible extension to other developing nations.