Physical Health Profile of Preschool Children: A Cross-Sectional Study on the Prevalence of Early Childhood Caries, Cerumen Impaction, and Strabismus

Abstract

Background: Early childhood is a critical phase of growth and development that is highly vulnerable to health issues often overlooked, such as dental caries, cerumen impaction, and visual impairments. Failure to detect these problems early can impede school readiness and compromise a child’s quality of life. Objective: This study aims to comprehensively map the physical health profile of preschool students and analyze the urgency of early intervention.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in January 2025 at a Playgroup (Kelompok Bermain) and Kindergarten (Taman Kanak-Kanak) in Temanggung. The sample included 181 preschool students (aged 2–7 years) selected via total sampling technique. Data were collected using physical examination sheets focusing on the head and neck region. Data analysis was performed using frequency distribution. Results: The study revealed a high prevalence of health issues among the students. The prevalence of Early Childhood Caries (ECC) reached 60 children (33%) characterized by severe caries and cavitation. Cerumen impaction was observed in 49 students (27%), with one identified case of functional unilateral hearing loss. Visual impairments, specifically strabismus, were detected in 13 children (7%), a rate exceeding the general population average. Conclusion: Preschool students face a dual burden of oral and sensory health challenges. It is necessary to revitalize the School Health Unit (UKS) through routine screening and collaboration with parents for medical referrals. An integrated referral system is crucial to mitigate long-term impacts on children’s learning modalities.

Keywords: Cerumen Impaction; Early Childhood Caries; Physical Health; Preschool Children; Strabismus.

Abstrak

Latar Belakang: Latar Belakang: Periode usia dini merupakan fase kritis tumbuh kembang yang rentan terhadap masalah kesehatan yang sering terabaikan, seperti karies gigi, sumbatan telinga, dan gangguan penglihatan. Masalah ini jika tidak dideteksi dini dapat menghambat kesiapan belajar dan kualitas hidup anak. Tujuan: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memetakan profil kesehatan fisik siswa prasekolah secara komprehensif dan menganalisis urgensi intervensi dini. Metode: Studi deskriptif cross-sectional dilakukan pada bulan Januari 2025 di sebuah Kelompok Bermain (KB) dan Taman Kanak-Kanak (TK) di Temanggung. Sampel melibatkan 181 siswa pra sekolah (usia 2–7 tahun) yang diambil dengan teknik total sampling. Instrumen menggunakan lembar pemeriksaan fisik kepala. Analisis data menggunakan distribusi frekuensi. Hasil: Ditemukan tingginya prevalensi masalah kesehatan. Prevalensi Early Childhood Caries (ECC) mencapai 60 anak (33%) dengan kasus karies dan gigi berlubang. Telinga kotor karena penumpukan serumen ditemukan pada 49 anak (27%), satu kasus  (1%) gangguan pendengaran unilateral fungsional. Gangguan penglihatan berupa strabismus (juling) terdeteksi 13 anak (7%), angka yang lebih tinggi dari rata-rata populasi. Kesimpulan: Siswa prasekolah menghadapi beban ganda masalah kesehatan oral dan sensorik. Diperlukan revitalisasi peran Unit Kesehatan Sekolah (UKS) melalui skrining rutin dan kolaborasi dengan orang tua untuk rujukan medis. Sistem rujukan yang terintegrasi untuk mencegah dampak jangka panjang terhadap modalitas belajar anak

Kata kunci: Impaksi Serumen; Karies Gigi Anak (Early Childhood Caries); Kesehatan Fisik; Anak Prasekolah; Strabismus (Mata Juling)