Morbidity profile of working children of footwear Units of Agra, India

Introduction: There are millions of working children worldwide. Several causes are suggested for this social evil of which poverty plays a significant role in whether a child will work. This study was undertaken to understand the morbidity profile and the social dimensions of working children of the cottage units of footwear making. 

Methods: The present cross-sectional study included 139 working children of footwear making units of Agra as exposed group and 160 school children as comparison group. Using interview technique, the demographic characteristics, occupational and clinical history were recorded on a pre-designed proforma. The reason for taking up the job, income from the job and their desire to attend the school were recorded. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 15.0. 

Results: The mean age of working and school children was 10.8 ± 1.5 years and 11.0 ± 1.5 years respectively.  The mean height of working and school children was 131.0 ± 9.8 cms and 136.9 ± 9.4 cms respectively and the difference was statistically significant (t=5.5; df=1; p<0.05) Similarly, the mean weight of working children (25.9 ± 5.6 kgs) was significantly lesser than the mean weight of school children (28.6 ± 5.6 kgs) (t=4.2; df=1; p<0.05). In all 70.5% of the working children were symptomatic while only 104 (65%) school children had symptoms. 

Conclusion: To conclude, the social factors forcing the children to work, results in deterioration of their health as suggested by presence of symptoms and also affect their growth parameters such as height and weight.