Pattern of Diseases in Rural Odisha: A Geographical Analysis

Disease being one of the major indicators of health status is basically of two types i. e. acute and chronic disease. The present study examines the spatial patterns of diseases in rural Odisha taking into consideration the 30 districts in Odisha using three rounds of Annual Health Survey data as prevalence of diseases in Odisha is high as compared the other states of India. Odisha a member of BIMARUO states is also now included in Empowered Action Group (EAG) states. Spatial pattern of diseases has been studied using some indicators like acute diseases (Diarrhoea, ARI and Fever) and chronic diseases (Diabetes, Hypertension, Tuberculosis, Asthma and Arthritis). For better interpretation some statistical methods are also used like: Co-efficient of Variance, Z scores and Composite index etc. Life style of the people influences the pattern of chronic disease. Level of education is the most important component controlling the regional variation of the diseases.