Changes in levels of morbidity and hospitalisation in Kerala: A district level analysis (1995–2014)

Abstract

BackgroundThe objective of paper is to provide background information about the morbidity and hospitalization pattern in districts Kerala based on secondary data. MethodsUsing data from three rounds (52nd, 60th, and 71st) of National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO), the trend and pattern of self-reported morbidity were analysed across districts of Kerala. Descriptive analysis was carried out to understand the prevalence of self-reported morbidity variation over a period of two decades (1995–2014) and multivariate analysis was performed to identify the significant determinants of various types of self-reported morbidities and hospitalization. ResultsThe results indicate that while infectious diseases and NCDs increased by six times, CVDs increased by nearly nine times, and disability increased by five times from 1995 to 2014. Age, sex and location emerged as significant determinant of morbidity, with the elderly, female and urban areas depicting higher levels. Levels of morbidity and hospitalization were higher in the Southern part of Kerala than in Northern Kerala. ConclusionsThe emerging pattern of high morbidity in Kerala warrants treatment and constant medical attention in primary and community level, especially among elderly person. There is a need for widened and sustained public health care system with affordable average cost of treatment for NCDs and CVDs at the primary level.