Data from a public school health project in Beirut.

The health status of 2778 elementary students enrolled in twenty-five government schools in Beirut was evaluated. Parents completed special forms relating to demographic information, socioeconomic status, the students' medical and vaccination history, and the presence of certain medical conditions in the family. A complete physical examination of each student was carried out. Seventy-six percent of the children belonged to families with a monthly income between US $118-237. The most common medical problems encountered were poor dentition (53%), incomplete immunization (22-63%) for the various vaccines, enuresis (9%), pediculosis (8%), and defective vision (6%). It was also noticed that 72% of the students have at least one member in the family who smokes. The data presented in this study show the need for fluoridation of public water; provision of accessible and affordable medical and dental care; carrying vaccination campaigns and introducing health education in elementary schools in Lebanon.