Morbidity among the marginalized fisher folks of Kerala, India

This study examines the extent of morbidity among marginalized fisher folk communities in the coastal region of Thrissur District, Kerala, with a focus on child health. Despite Kerala’s advanced social indicators such as high literacy, low mortality, and improved life expectancy, morbidity levels remain high, particularly among socio-economically weaker groups. A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in 50 households across Eriyad and Sreenarayanapuram panchayats using multistage cluster sampling. Data on socio-demographic features, occupational status, income, and health-related behaviors were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire, supplemented with physical measurements. Results reveal that 64% of households belong to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category, with the majority dependent on fishing for livelihood. Fever (40%) emerged as the most prevalent morbidity among children, followed by skin disorders (6%) and heart diseases (2%). The study also highlights limited healthcare facilities, inadequate insurance coverage, and heavy reliance on public health services, with most families spending a major share of their income on medical expenses. Findings point to the interplay of poverty, occupational hazards, and lack of adequate healthcare infrastructure in shaping morbidity patterns. The paper concludes with a call for targeted interventions, including occupational health services, improved child health care, expanded insurance schemes, and awareness programs to address the health vulnerabilities of fisher folk in coastal Kerala.