THE ROLE OF SCHOOL MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS IN THE PREVENTION OF CHRONIC DISEASES AMONG CHILDREN OF LABOR MIGRANTS
Abstract
Labor migration is a growing phenomenon worldwide and in Central Asia [3]. In Uzbekistan—a country where roughly half the population is under 30 and an estimated 13 million are under age 18 [2]-many families rely on parents working abroad. Children in these families often face unique challenges, including reduced parental supervision, psychosocial stress, and uneven access to healthcare [4]. These factors may increase the risk of chronic health problems such as malnutrition, respiratory disorders, or mental health issues. School-based medical examinations offer a strategic opportunity to identify and address emerging health problems early. Recent nationwide screening in Uzbekistan found that nearly 28% of examined schoolchildren had some health issue (most commonly anemia), highlighting the burden of undetected conditions. In this context, investigating how routine school exams can prevent or mitigate chronic diseases in children of labor migrants is both timely and important.
Keywords
School health screening; Chronic disease prevention; Migrant children; Public health; School medical examinations.
References
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- World Health Organization. (2019). Noncommunicable diseases country profiles. Geneva: WHO. (Note: not cited above, but referenced for general NCD context).