Assessment of health and development of children aged 6–7 years as the basis for the school readiness

Introduction. An important stage in the life of a child is starting primary school. Good health and proper development is a key factor
determining the possibility to meet new demands and responsibilities. The successful functioning in the role of student achievement is
provided by the child care school readiness.

Aim of the study. Assessment of health and development of children aged 6–7 years as the basis for the school readiness.

Material and methods. The study was done in 70 children (37 girls and 33 boys), attending the Non-Public Health Care Group „Wójtowska
— Family Physicians” in Cracow. To collect the data, the results of screening tests and a physical examination and information obtained from
the parents of children and the school nurse were used. The centile charts for height and weight and BMI were used for the evaluation of the
somatic development.

Results. Assessment of children’s health status showed the presence of various health problems in 84% of children and about 63% of them
were under the care of the various specialty clinics. Health abnormalities were found most often in: body weight (13%), body height
(25.7%), musculoskeletal system development (71%), dental hygiene (caries) (20%).

Conclusions. All children were found the full maturity to the school attendance, although they often show different health problems.

Nursing Topics 2011; 19 (2): 228–232