Levels, differentials and determinants of morbidity in West Bengal, India

Soumitra Ghosh, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS)

The paper investigates the level, differentials and determinants of morbidity in West Bengal. The morbidity prevalence rate for the year 1995-96 was 65 per thousand in rural and 64 per thousand in urban areas. Females reported more illness than males in both rural and urban areas. The prevalence rate of illness was higher among children aged 0-4 and adults above 60 years compared to other age groups. Significant seasonal and regional variations were found. While the prevalence of acute ailments was higher among poorer individuals, the richer people were at higher risk of suffering form chronic diseases. There was an inverse relationship between household size and morbidity prevalence. The untreated illness was found to be higher in rural than in urban areas. Financial inability and non-availability of health care services were cited as the major reasons for not seeking treatment.