London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Barking 1912

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Barking]

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47
Nutrition.
During the past year 1.0 per cent. of the boys and 0.56 of
the girls showed marked malnutrition. All these were apparently
due to disease elsewhere, and hence appear under another
heading. It is a point, however, for congratulation—in view
of the disturbed trade conditions of the year—that so little
evidence of under-feeding was observed.

Taking all those who were below normal amongst the entrants and leavers, the percentages for the last five years are:—

Infants.Boys.Seniors.
Girls.
190833.2918.521.3
190917.0014.713.8
191023.5044.037.8
191116.1036.832.7
191220.9024.418.4

These figures are so variable that it is impossible to read
anything into them, but such as is suggested by the bias or
keenness of the observer.
Footgear.
Considering all age periods, it was found that in 3 per cent.
of the children the footgear was in a very bad state, so bad that
in wet weather they would have been better without any.
Unfortunately, the absence of boots is looked upon by all as
a kind of social stigma, and hence, children in this state are
either kept at home or sent to school shod in an apology for
boots.

For previous years the condition was as follows for all children examined

Boys.Girls.
1908
1909
19101.30.4
19113.113.49
19123.993.00