Hanoi (VNA) – Health problems, such as scoliosis, short-sightedness, obesity🍃, dental diseases and mental disorders, among school-age children have become more rampant in Vietnam, according to the General Department of Prevꦐentive Medicine.

It is estimated that about 20-35 percent of students became nearsighted while some 15-30 percent are suffering scoliosis. Prevalence of obesity and mental disorders in students grew to 40 percent and 25 percent, respectively, in some regions, while 60-95 percent of them have dental-related issues. Many of these issues, to some extent, are as a result of increased pressure at school and rapid socio-economic development. The department revealed approximately 16.9 percent of students have thought of suicide, 21.8 percent of those have sought help from doctors. Only 18 percent of students wash their hands with soap frequently, or have a healthy portion of vegetables daily. The prevalence of sedentary behavior among school-age children is 42 percent, the department found. Poor hygiene and sanitary conditions coupled with a lack of caregivers and health facilities at schools, particularly those in rural and far-flung areas, have increased the risk of communicable diseases in students, the department said. It urged for an increase in school-based caregivers, and suggested that schools without a health worker should be provided support from commune-based medical stations. It also recommended that students should receive health checks at least once per school year, for the early identification of any health risk.-VNA