Measurement and pattern of morbidity and the utilization of health services: some emerging issues from recent health interview surveys in India
Gumber, A.; Berman, P.
Journal of Health and Population in Developing Countries 1(1): 16-43
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 1095-8940 PMID: 12293259 Document Number: 271887
Both health planners and researchers have a particularly difficult time measuring morbidity, especially in developing countries. However, public health programs need information on the prevalence of disease in a community in order to take timely and appropriate measures to prevent, control, and eradicate disease. Moreover, the incidence of various types of disease indicates the potential need for resources such as hospitals, dispensaries, laboratories, rehabilitation centers, and home nursing facilities. Considerable variation can exist in the completeness of morbidity reporting both between and within countries. This paper examines nine recent health interview surveys in India in terms of their methodology and findings. The surveys deal specifically with morbidity patterns and the use of health services. Broad issues related to the empirical measurement of morbidity and its relationship with development are discussed, followed by a critical review of survey design methods, concepts, definitions, and procedures adopted in both national and regional health studies. The surveys' main findings on the incidence of morbidity, patterns of disease, and the use of and expenditure on health care are discussed.