Pattern Of Morbidity And Health Seeking Behavior In A Slum Area Of Ahmedabad City in India

Research Question: What is the morbidity pattern and Health seeking behaviour in a slum area of Ahmedabad city?Study design: Cross sectional studySetting and participants: The present study was conducted amongst 112 families of a slum area with total population of 685, in West Zone of Ahmedabad city, India.Results: There were 64 episodes of acute illness treated as out patient, in the 15 days recall period. 87% of total episodes were treated at private source. 14 episodes of untreated illnesses were reported. Total 27 episodes of hospitalization were reported in recall period of one year. Out of this 33.3 % were due to surgical cases and 25.95 were due to infectious diseases. 66.6% received treatment at the general hospitals.Total 31 episodes of chronic illnesses were reported in recall period of one year. Irregularity of treatment was the important aspect of chronic illnesses.Antenatal care was mainly received from general hospitals. All deliveries occurred at hospitals.Conclusion: It can be concluded that for acute non-hospitalized episodes people heavily depends on the private sector and for hospitalization and maternity related health care they still depend on public sector.