Morbidity Prevalence:An Inter Community Analysis with Special Reference to Kannur Districts in Kerala

Background/Objectives: The specific objectives of the study are (1) to examine the morbidity pattern; its determinants and how socio-economic factors are affecting morbidity in the urban area, (2) to identify the extent of inter community differences in morbidity prevalence.

Methods/Statistical analysis: The study is based on primary data and secondary data. The primary data were collected through a structured schedule and samples are drawn by employing simple random sampling method.

Findings: Religion has a significant influence on health condition of the people and morbidity among various religions is different. Chronic and acute illness was high among Christian communities. The joint family system is widely followed by christans. This is one of the reasons for higher morbidity among christans. While analyzing gender wise morbidity prevalence, the prevalence rate of acute illness is high among Males (323.35) and the prevalence rate of chronic illness is high among Females (395.2). The influence of sanitation and water supply to morbidity prevalence is less in the study area.

Improvements/Applications: Municipality and panchayath level institutions in every district should provide medical insurance to the people especially for the Christian community. Also provide better medical facilities to the people and improve the working condition of the public health care centers.