Abstract
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify the major health problems of poor children, and to provide basic information for developing health care program for low income children in underserved area. Methods: Health data were collected through medical examination(KAHP Social Welfare Service) and analysed for 3,081 poor children in 106 local children's centers nationwide. Results: 1. The mean height and weight of poor children were lower than those of nonpoor children. The differences were increased by age. 2. The rate of relative low weight was higher in poor children than in nonpoor children. On the contrary, The obesity rate was higher in nonpoor children than in poor children. 3. Poor children were more likely to have vision problem, anemia, high blood pressure, and oral health problems than nonpoor children. 4. The Health problems of children were the most serious in single father family. Conclusion: In order to improve children's health status, health promotion program for poor children should be developed and implemented. Health promotion program should include activities including regular health examination, home visiting, nutrition support, managed health care, health counseling and education. And the community support network was suggested for the efficacy of the program, including home, school and community.
