Health Impact of Lifestyle Changes in Kerala

Saseendran Pallikadavath, University of Southampton
William Stones, University of Southampton

Although overall health status of Kerala has improved, morbidity remains high. Tertiary diseases in the state are on the rise. There have been important changes in the socio-economic life of Kerala in the last few decades due to large-scale migration to the Middle-east As a result of remittances into the state, people’s habits and practise of daily life have significantly changed. The extent to which these changes have impacted on health has not yet been the subject of systematic study. It is important to identify population sub-groups most affected by these changes. If tertiary diseases and morbidity remain high, there is a risk that the achievements of public health may not translate into real health benefits. Also, for a relatively poor state like Kerala public funding to address tertiary disease care would be a major task. The study would help inform policy makers about potential measures to address this problem.