The low income preschools in Benin City: some health aspects of the children.

Forty-three proprietors of the low-income preschools in Benin City and 353 mothers of children attending such groups were asked to give information pertaining to the common health problems and immunization status of the children. Information was obtained by interviews and self-administered questionnaires. Moreover, 415 children were examined to determine the incidence of head lice, scabies, ringworm and catarrh - conditions which had been found to be common among children in the low-income group. The results revealed that malaria and catarrh were the commonest conditions according to the parents and proprietors while the physical examination established catarrh and ringworm as very common. The immunization status was unsatisfactory. Recommendations are made for the upgrading of these preschool groups for better health and early childhood education.