Detection of opthalmological and dental problems during Personal Health Card fill-in procedure in pupils aged 6-16 years old

Aim: To record and assess the physical findings emerged during the schoolchildren Personal Health Card (PHC) fill-in procedure in the responsibility area of a Health Center. Material and methods : The sample consisted of 611 pupils (boys: 319), aged 6-16 years old of the 1st, 3rd and 5th grade of Elementary School as well of 1st Junior High School class and 1st High School class, in the responsibility area of Stylida Health Center. Their PHC records were evaluated. X2 was used for comparison and statistical significance was set at p=0,05. Results: Boys were 319 children (51.20%) and girls were 292(47,80%). Normal optical acuity (<8/10) was present in 277 boys (86.83%) and 263 girls (90.06%). Referral to an ophthalmologist was necessary for 42 boys (13.17%) and 29 girls (9.93%). 30.72% of boys and 31.17% of girls were free of any kind of dental problem. Caries was present in 47.96% of boys and in 42.12% of girls. 21.32% of the children (boys) and 26.71% (girls) had some kind of orthodontic problems. No statistical differences were observed between boys and girls. Conclusions: A considerable percentage of school children of both sexes is presented with ophthalmological and dental problems. Dental caries is a particularly common issue.