Estimation of chronic disease load in a rural area of Haryana

A key informant based survey was done in 1992 to enlist cases of chronic disorders in a rural area of Haryana. Thirty-nine villages selected purposely from a block were surveyed by a trained field worker. He made contacts with key informants like dais, anganwadi workers, health workers, teachers, village elders, etc, to enlist known cases of chronic disorders. In all 812 cases of chronic disease were encountered in 28844 population (28.2/1000). Prevalence of chronic disorders was more in higher age group. Males outnumbered females in younger age group and vice versa for higher age group. Asthma, poliomyelitis, mental illness/retardation were more prevalent in males while hypertension, obesity were reported more in females. Tuberculosis, diabetes, hypertension and asthma were significantly more prevalent in higher age group while poliomyelitis was reported more in children. Consultation rate was high in tuberculosis, asthma, hypertension and diabetes.