Morbidity pattern and health seeking behaviour of gypsy community

Poor entry in the Census or health information system, nomadic tendency, low education and unhealthy lifestyle poses the Gypsy population to many illnesses and health problems.

This study was aimed to assess the morbidity pattern and health seeking behaviour of the Gypsy Community residing in Vellore district.

A quantitative cross sectional research design was used to assess the morbidity pattern and health seeking behaviour. A total of 40 families with 135 subjects were selected by convenience sampling method. The morbidity pattern and health seeking behaviour was assessed using a survey format and questionnaire, constructed by the investigator.

Findings showed that majority of the population 101(74.8%) had at least one illness (chronic/acute) of which 66(65.3%) had taken treatment. Private sector was mostly 37(51.2) used by the people. The perceived morbidities were expressed by them where 10(33.3%) had non-communicable diseases, 31(23%) cough and cold, 12(9%) diarrhea, 27(20%) aches and pains, 11(5.4%) skin problems and 12(9%) had worm infestation. Obese Class 1 was found among 16(18.8%) of the adults assessed and 41(51.8%) were high risk for developing diabetes according to the Indian Diabetes Risk Score. From the findings it was clear that there was a significant association between age (p<0.003), education (p<0.08), and type of house (p<0.008) with the presence of chronic illness. Association was also significant with age (p<0.002), religion (p<0.016) and education (p<0.046) with the choice of taking treatment for chronic illness.

The findings suggest that the majority of the people of Gypsy community had poor health seeking behavior and was ignorant about the services available in the government sector. There is a great need to strengthen health services emphasizing on the promotional activities and offer health care services to prevent morbidities.