Disease Prevalence and Contributing Factors in the Rural Population of Shahdol

Manisha Shukla 1, Rohit Kumar Vishwakarma 1,  Anjali Tomar 2                                                                          

Vol 1/Issue 4

 

Abstract 

Understanding the health challenges in rural areas is crucial for devising effective public health interventions and improving healthcare access. This research focuses on analyzing the distribution of common diseases, such as cold, fever, respiratory infections, vector-borne illnesses, and chronic conditions like diabetes, using data collected from surveys and field visits.

Findings reveal that cold, fever, and their combinations are the most common ailments, accounting for 43% of the cases, primarily driven by seasonal changes, poor sanitation, and limited healthcare access. Vector-borne diseases, including dengue and malaria, constitute 6% of the reported cases, highlighting the impact of water stagnation and inadequate mosquito control measures. Chronic diseases like diabetes, although reported at 2%, underline the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in rural settings. Factors such as environmental conditions, poor nutrition, lack of hygiene, and insufficient public health infrastructure significantly influence disease prevalence.

The study emphasizes the need for tailored public health strategies, including awareness campaigns on sanitation, improved waste management, vector control programs, and strengthened healthcare services. Seasonal vaccination drives, accessible diagnostic facilities, and health education initiatives could help mitigate the high incidence of preventable diseases. The findings contribute to understanding rural health dynamics and offer actionable insights for policymakers to improve the quality of life in resource-constrained settings like Shahdol.

 

Introduction

Rural populations often face significant healthcare challenges due to limited access to medical facilities, poor sanitation, and lack of awareness. Shahdol, a predominantly rural region, reflects these concerns with a high prevalence of communicable and non-communicable diseases (1). Identifying disease patterns in such regions is essential for understanding the health risks faced by the population and implementing targeted public health interventions.

This study focuses on analyzing the prevalence of common diseases, including cold, fever, vector-borne illnesses like dengue and malaria, and chronic conditions such as diabetes. It also aims to identify the environmental, social, and economic factors contributing to these health issues. Seasonal variations, poor hygiene practices, inadequate waste management, and limited healthcare access are hypothesized to play a significant role (2).

By investigating these disease patterns and their root causes, this study seeks to provide actionable insights for improving healthcare strategies in rural areas. The findings will not only help address immediate health challenges in Shahdol but also contribute to broader efforts to enhance rural healthcare systems and reduce the burden of preventable diseases.

Materials and Methods

The study was conducted in Shahdol, a rural district characterized by its diverse population and agricultural economy.

Data Collection

1. Health surveys conducted in rural
2. Interviews with local healthcare providers and community members to assess disease frequency and contributing factors.
3. Direct observations of sanitation and environmental
4. Statistical reports from government health

Sampling Strategy: A random sampling method was used, covering multiple villages across Shahdol. The sample size included 500 individuals across various age groups and socio- economic statuses. Disease frequency and trends were analyzed using statistical tools.

Results and Discussion

 

The analysis revealed the following patterns (Figure 1):

 

1. Disease Prevalence:

Cold and Fever: The most common illnesses, contributing 43% of cases. These were linked to seasonal changes, poor nutrition, and limited healthcare access.

Cough, Cold, and Fever Combination: Accounted for 21%, often associated with respiratory infections exacerbated by environmental factors such as indoor air pollution and overcrowded living conditions.

Dengue and Malaria: Represented 6% of cases, indicating a significant burden of vector- borne diseases caused by stagnant water and lack of mosquito control measures.

Diabetes: Although only 2%, this chronic condition highlights the emerging concern of non- communicable diseases in rural settings.

2.     Demographic Trends

Children and elderly populations were more vulnerable to cold, fever, and respiratory illnesses. Working-age adults were disproportionately affected by vector-borne diseases.

3.     Contributing Factors

Environmental Conditions: Poor sanitation and improper waste disposal were identified as key contributors to disease spread.

Healthcare Access: Limited availability of medical facilities delayed diagnosis and treatment, exacerbating common illnesses.

Nutrition and Awareness: Inadequate diets and low awareness of preventive healthcare measures were significant factors.

 

 

Figure 1: Disease patterns in the Shahdol Rural population

 

Discussion

The disease patterns observed in Shahdol are consistent with trends seen in other rural regions, where respiratory and vector-borne diseases dominate due to environmental and infrastructural shortcomings. Chronic conditions like diabetes, though currently less prevalent, warrant attention as they are likely to increase with lifestyle changes and aging populations in rural areas.

Conclusion

 

The study highlights the prevalent disease patterns and contributing factors affecting the rural population of Shahdol. Common illnesses such as cold, fever, and respiratory infections dominate, accounting for 43% of cases, largely driven by seasonal changes, poor sanitation, and limited healthcare access. Vector-borne diseases like dengue and malaria constitute 6% of cases, emphasizing the need for improved water management and mosquito control. Emerging chronic conditions like diabetes, although currently low at 2%, signal a growing concern for non-communicable diseases in rural settings. Environmental factors, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and low awareness of preventive measures were identified as significant contributors to disease prevalence. The findings underline the importance of implementing public health strategies, including sanitation improvement, health education campaigns, and access to timely medical care. Addressing these issues can significantly reduce the disease burden and enhance the overall well-being of Shahdol’s rural population.

Acknowledgement

This work was supported by Dr. Manisha Shukla, Department of Biotechnology, Pandit S.N. Shukla University Shahdol

References

 

1. Patil AV, Somasundaram KV, Goyal RC. Current health scenario in rural India. Aust J Rural Health. 2002
2. Joshi R, Cardona M, Iyengar S, Sukumar A, Raju CR, Raju KR, Raju K, Reddy KS, Lopez A, Neal B. Chronic diseases now a leading cause of death in rural India–mortality data from the Andhra Pradesh Rural Health Initiative. Int J Epidemiol. 2006 Dec;35(6):1522-9. doi: 10.1093/ije/dyl168. Epub 2006 Sep 22. PMID: 16997852.

 

AUTHOR INFORMATION
Corresponding Author
Manisha Shukla − Department of Biotechnology, Pandit S.N. Shukla University, Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh, India 484001
Email: mshukla@bt.iitr.ac.in
Phone: +91- 8839096157

Authors

Rohit Kumar Vishwakarma 

Department of Biotechnology, Pandit S.N. Shukla University, Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh, India 484001

Anjali Tomar 

Department of Biotechnology, Pandit S.N. Shukla University, Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh, India 484001