MORBIDITY PATTERN IN HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS IN SINDH

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To know current morbidity pattern in health care providers serving in Heath Department of Sindh, Pakistan. DESIGN: This study was conducted during years 2001-2004. METHODS: Study was conducted through Health Management Information System (HMIS) Cell Directorate General of Health Sindh based at Hyderabad and Faculty of Community Medicine Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro - Sindh. Questionnaires were distributed to doctors who were selected for HMIS course and were providing health care services in various first level health care facilities and referral level care facilities. Health care providers belonged to 15 districts of Sindh where HMIS trainings were held and these were included in this study. Total 169 medical officers participated and filled the proforma. RESULTS: Out of 169 health care providers studied, 143 were males and 26 females. Majority i.e. 29(17.15%) male doctors and only 2 female doctors reported that they have some kind of morbidity currently. Their morbidity patterns included cardiovascular diseases, gastro-intestinal diseases and other non-communicable diseases. Allergic diseases, physical disabilities and injuries were also reported by them. CONCLUSION: This study found that 17.1% of health care providers or (171 per 1000 doctors population) is suffering from some form of morbidity which is higher than morbidity pattern in general population which is about 15% or (150 per 1000 population.) as reported in national health statistics. This situation is worrying for health care providers and needs special attention for preventive care.