Socio-economic aspects of malaria in Kheda district, Gujarat

Study on the socio-cultural factors and economic loss due to malaria in rural and urban areas of Kheda district, Gujarat revealed that factors such as education, profession, income, housing pattern, social groups, water storage and treatment seeking behaviour play an important role in malaria transmission. However, the difference of these components in respect to malaria cases between rural and urban areas were statistically insignificant. Mean monetary loss per malaria episode was found to be more in urban area (Rs. 393.59) as compared to rural (Rs. 157.59). The study also suggests the importance of socio-cultural factors in implementing any community health programme. Health education is needed to make the people aware and health conscious for prevention of disease at their own level.