24. Factors Affecting Morbidity and Utilization of Healthcare Services: A Case Study of Nagaon District of Assam

Morbidity is a persistent condition of ill health that prohibits individuals from performing their daily activities. Therefore, measures of morbidity reflect the general conditions of health in the population. At the all India level, morbidity studies have been carried out based on large sample surveys of the NSSO and by other independent organizations at the state level; however, there is a dearth of field-based studies in the rural areas of India, specifically from the northeastern region. This case study examines the extent of morbidity, factors affecting morbidity, as well as the extent of utilization of healthcare services in one of the villages of Nagaon district of Assam. The study is based on a household survey conducted in 2014 in Bamunipathar village of Nagaon district. Based on a census enumeration of the entire village, a random sample of 40% of the households was chosen. The morbidity prevalence rate is found higher among males than females. However, cases of untreated morbidity are higher among females. Regression analysis shows that morbidity increases with increase in age of an individual. Low levels of literacy and non-availability of toilet facilities pose as risk factors to morbid conditions. Households having access to safe drinking water showed a negative causal relationship with morbidity. This case study places special focus on women and elderly people as who should be receiving increased health attention.