Over a while, the trend of diseases in slum populations has changed a lot. It is an alarming public health issue. The role of myths in exaggerating the incidence of communicable diseases like chicken pox is not to be neglected.

Common diseases in slum population: Age-based classification

Some of the common diseases prevalent in the slum population age-wise include:

1. Paediatric age group

One of the main causes of mortality in the under-5 age group is the denial of primary vaccination to these children. Some are dropouts and many are left out. The parents consider vaccination as a waste of time and the occurrence of fever after penta or any other vaccine is considered an unsuccessful attempt on the part of health workers. They lack knowledge about immunity and antibody generation.

1. Respiratory infections (e.g., pneumonia): The incidence is high in slum children because no Pneumococcal vaccine is given to them, non-airy living spaces and timely approach to medication in case of sickness are delayed.
2. Diarrhoeal diseases: The Rotavirus vaccine is not acceptable to parents. Their infants are not breastfed exclusively and the introduction of bottle feed with lack of cleaning practices makes the diarrhoeal episodes more frequent. The toddlers are not given ORS and zinc in loose motions which is freely available in nearby Govt Health centers.
3. Skin infections: Fungal infections; scabies are common due to lack of hygiene and less living space makes them more prone to develop contagious infections.
4. Fever: Fever of any origin is treated with home remedies rather than timely medical intervention.
5. Malnourishment: Malnourishment and anaemia are the basis of weak immunity.

2. Adult age group

1. Hypertension: The incidence of High Blood pressure has increased in the last decade in slum dwellers. The eating habits play a major role. Intake of processed food, use of low-quality palm oil because of relatively low cost and lack of knowledge about the consequences of high salt intake are the underlying reasons.
2. Diabetes Mellitus: Despite strenuous physical work, the cases of Diabetes in slums are increasing. The causes after retrograde studies seem to be a lack of knowledge about calorie intake and workout exercises. Unhealthy eating habits are also contributing.
3. Vector-borne diseases: Vector-borne diseases (e.g., malaria, dengue fever) the primary symptom of VBD which is fever are not investigated timely, leading to increased mortality from dengue.
4. Waterborne diseases (e.g., typhoid, cholera): Safe water supply is not accessible to many of the localities thus water-borne diseases are increasing. The free vaccine for typhoid is a dream come true for them.
5. Skin infections (e.g., scabies, leprosy): Lack of hygiene and proper sunlight make them more susceptible to such contagious diseases.
6. Mental health issues (e.g., depression, anxiety): The males get into addiction to smoking, alcohol and drugs at a very young age while females in slums also engage in smoking and alcohol to socialise.
7. Chronic diseases like fatty liver and cirrhosis are no more exceptions in the slum population.
8. Infectious diseases (e.g., HIV/AIDS, hepatitis): Lack of knowledge about the causes and taboos associated with sex life drags them to deadly diseases.
9. Nutritional deficiencies (e.g., malnutrition, anaemia): Minimal wages and large family size make them prone to malnourishment. Marriage at an early age and lack of family planning services make them more vulnerable to unwanted pregnancies.
10. Zoonotic diseases (e.g., rabies, leptospirosis): They keep dogs for their protection and the unvaccinated pets ultimately drag them to infections like Rabies.
11. Skin cancers are also seen in workers engaged in mason work due to exposure to harmful solar radiation for long hours in high temperatures.

Factors exacerbating diseases in slums

These diseases are often exacerbated by factors such as:

• Overcrowding
• Poor ventilation
• Inadequate waste management
• Contaminated water sources
• Limited access to healthcare services
• Low health literacy
• Poor socioeconomic conditions

Government schemes for the slum population

Govt of India provides many health and other services at the nearest Health and social welfare centres but they are not aware of schemes like free primary vaccination; Ayushman Bharat card, free treatment of pregnant ladies, Anaemia Mukt Bharat schemes in Anganwari n school going children etc.

Disclaimer- The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of M3 India.

About the author of this article: Dr Usha Sharma is a practising physician from Jammu.