Health status of migrant population residing at urban field practice area, Mallasandra, Bangalore - A descriptive study.

Abstract

Background Among the different special groups migrants occupy a prominent place. They are exposed to unhygienic environment both at home and work. They have been neglected while implementing national programmes or while calculating health indicators. And studies on their health status are limited.Objective This study was planned to determine the socio-demographicenvironmental factors and health status with utilization of health services among migrant population residing at Mallasandra.Methodology A Descriptive cross sectional study was carried out among migrant population residing in urban field practice area of a teaching medical college hospital Bengaluru. Details of socio demographic environmental factors and knowledgeutilization of available health services was collected using a semi structured questionnaire. The results were expressed in the form of descriptive statistics.Results A total of 27 families and 130 individuals were identified. They were living in an unhygienic environment but were apparently healthy. Being migrants it is difficult for them to have basic environmental facilities. They were ignorant of their health and also services provided through various national programmes. Only the maternal and immunization services were utilized probably because of ASHA workers.Conclusion Health of migrant population is often neglected. It is time to undertake programmes directed towards improvement of their environmental condition and health status and also to raise their awareness in this regard.