ArticlePublic health challenges2026
A 5-Year Retrospective Morbidity Profile of School-Aged Children at Ho Polyclinic, Volta Region, Ghana: Skin Conditions, Malaria, and Respiratory Illnesses as Leading Causes (2018-2022).
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Abstract
Background: The disease burden among school-aged children (5-17 years) in low- and middle-income countries remains poorly characterized, with health policies predominantly focused on children under five. This study described the morbidity profile and examined associated demographic factors among school-aged children attending a primary care facility in Ghana. Methods: A retrospective review of outpatient records was conducted at Ho Polyclinic in the Volta Region. Data from all consultations for children aged 5-17 years between January 2018 and December 2022 were extracted. The facility has a historical specialization in dermatological care because it was formally a leprosarium. Descriptive statistics summarized demographics and morbidity frequencies. Chi-square tests assessed associations between age group, sex, and the three leading diagnostic categories. Results: Among 10,428 consultations (mean age 10.3 ± 4.0 years; 54.4% female), skin conditions (38.3%), malaria (23.0%), and respiratory conditions (16.1%) constituted 77.4% of all diagnoses. This pattern remained consistent across the 5-year study period. No statistically significant associations were found between age group or sex and diagnosis of skin conditions (age Conclusion: A consistent triad of infectious and environmental conditions dominates the morbidity profile of school-aged children in this setting. The uniformity of this burden across demographic subgroups underscores the need for integrated, school-based health interventions targeting skin health, malaria prevention, and respiratory hygiene to address this neglected demographic.
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