ABSTRACT Background: Inguinal and scrotal swellings are frequently encountered in the surgical practice, especially in children. It is also important to study the factors which are associated with inguinal hernia, especially in children, for its effective management. Objective: To study the factors which are associated with inguinal hernia in children. Setting and Design: A prospective hospital based study was undertaken in the Department of Surgery for a period of one year between 2001 to 2002. Children who were aged one day to 12 years were selected for the study. Out of 960 children who were admitted to the surgical ward, 50 children had inguinal hernia and they constituted the sample. Methodology: The details regarding the clinical history and the examination details were collected by using a predesigned proforma. The data which was thus collected was analyzed by using the appropriate statistical tests. Results: The inguinal hernia in the study group was common in the 1-5 years age group. 90% of the study group was males; a swelling in the inguinal region was the commonest symptom. 70% of the study group was term deliveries; the swelling of the inguinal hernia was elastic in consistency in 35 cases. The swelling of the inguinal hernia was irreducible in two cases. The testis was palpable in 48 cases; a cough impulse was seen and felt in 48 cases. Tenderness of the swelling was present in 2 cases. Conclusions: Inguinal hernia is a common congenital condition in children. Difficulties are commonly encountered by the surgeons to identify and to confirm the presence of inguinal hernia. This study will help in a better management of hernia in the paediatric age group by understanding the features of inguinal hernia.