Mapping The Health Landscape Through a Family Health Survey: A Community Diagnosis af a Village in Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Health of a community is intricately linked to its social, economic, cultural, and environmental determinants. Conducting a community diagnosis through a family health survey will help identify local health problems, assess service utilization, and understand social determinants of health at household level. The objectives are to analyze the demographic and environmental profile, to assess morbidity and maternal-child health needs, and evaluate health-seeking behavior and healthcare utilization in a village of Chengalpattu District.

METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Pulipakkam village, Tamil Nadu, from January to March 2024. A total of 412 individuals from 100 systematically selected households were surveyed using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire, with sample size based on NNMS 2022 data. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 21. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained.

RESULTS: Of the 412 participants surveyed, majority 88(21.3%) were aged 30–39 years and 229(55.7%) were female. Most households used LPG 288(70%) and had pucca houses 268 (65%) with adequate ventilation 272(66%). Drinking water was mainly from Panchayat supply 56(56%), and 25(25%) used no purification method. Dumping was the common method for solid waste disposal 74(74%), and 75(75%) used Indian-style toilets. Government and PHC facilities were preferred for healthcare, mainly due to affordability. The prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus was considerably high (50.39%).

CONCLUSION: The study highlighted key socio-demographic and health patterns, with more females, nuclear families, and middle-class households. Most lived in pucca houses, though overcrowding and mosquito breeding were concerns. Safe water access was good, but food storage practices were often poor. Government and PHC services were commonly used due to affordability and a high prevalence of diabetes mellitus was observed.