A study of the health status of the Slum Dwellers and the present healthcare facilities in the Slum areas

ABSTRACT

The spread of COVID- 19 pandemic is a wake-up call for cities, towns and areas for proper planning and sanitation. The overcrowding and exodus of people from rural to urban areas in search of employment has created a shortage of basic civic amenities and healthcare facilities. This affects their health status and their health seeking behaviour. The present descriptive research study was conducted in selected slum areas with stratified proportionate random sampling method. A survey questionnaire was used, and data was collected in two phases. Data was analyzed with the help of SPSS version25. Significance was tested with Chi-Square test and Logistic Regression. Low annual income is the barrier in maintaining good health of the slum households and it influences their health status. Healthcare expenditure of the slum households was very less. The district hospitals need up gradation to include all the consultation services. Disease incidence was found between age group 1 to 4 years and 45-65 years. The slum community's participation in health care services was needed to create a slum-free society. Proper housing, sanitation, safe drinking water, affordable healthcare and maternal and childcare services were very essential in these slum areas for their improvement.