Objective:
The aim of this study was to determine the rate of routine follow-ups of children attending our Healthy Child Clinic and the factors that can influence the follow-ups.
Material and Methods:
The files of 540 babies registered in our Healthy Child Clinic between January 2003 and May 2005 have been investigated retrospectively.
Results:
46% of children were regularly brought to follow-up. The rate of regular follow-ups of children who were born with caesarean section and who had a history of preterm birth were significantly higher. There were no significant relationships between regular followup and parent’s education levels, mother’s work status, presence of social security, neighborhood, birth weight, gender, number of siblings, parent’s age.
Conclusion:
It has been determined that the rate of regular follow-ups of children born with caesarean section or prematurity is significantly higher. We believe that with an effective communication between doctor and the family, and explanation of the importance of routine examinations of healthy children to all parents, the follow-ups of healthy children can be carried on more successfully.
Keywords: Healthy children, physical examination, growth and development