Health Status of Children in Rural Areas of the Dominican Republic: Policy Implications for Nursing Practice and Nursing Education in Third World Countries

Abstract

The major purposes of this study were to determine: the health problems of children in rural areas of the Dominican Republic; differences in types of child health problems in specific villages; and major areas nurses should emphasize in rural health programs for children. The sample consisted of 466 children, 5 years and younger, who were seen in clinics held in eight rural villages. The major health problems were protein-calorie malnutrition (66%), upper respiratory infections (58%), and otitis media (25%). There was a significant difference (p < .01) in the types of child health problems found in specific villages. The following areas should have high priority in health care programs for rural children: the nutritional needs of the child; the importance of breast-feeding; the use of available foods to achieve adequate protein; immunizations; and recognition of when to seek health care for the child. Policy recommendations for nursing practice and nursing education in Third World Countries focus on the provision of preventive health care programs for children in rural villages; reduction of malnutrition through educational programs; and the development of nursing education programs which are congruent with the health care needs of individuals in Third World Countries.