Manesh Muraleedharan, Mounika P.A. and Alaka Chandak
Kerala, a southern state in India, is acknowledged for its socio-economic reforms such as quality health care, gender parity, high literacy rate and more. However, recent trends…
Abstract
Purpose
Kerala, a southern state in India, is acknowledged for its socio-economic reforms such as quality health care, gender parity, high literacy rate and more. However, recent trends show that the state has the highest incidence of various noncommunicable diseases in the country, including diabetes, hypertension and heart coronary artery disease. This research paper aims to examine the link between the Kerala population’s lifestyle, diet and genetic factors and its correlation with a heightened cardio-metabolic risk.
Design/methodology/approach
Using Dixon Wood’s interpretive synthesis, this qualitative literature review is systematically used by searching, gathering articles, theme building, comparing and criticising the evidence.
Findings
The result shows that only minimal evidence is available regarding the genetic makeup of the Kerala community, food patterns and its link to the high prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). However, limited and contradicting evidence and studies restricted to a particular region in the state demand more research on this domain.
Originality/value
It is vital to review the diet habits of Keralites due to the alarmingly high prevalence of NCDs. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first comprehensive review of the diet habits of Kerala and their link to NCDs.
Details
Keywords
Manesh Muraleedharan and Alaka Omprakash Chandak
The substantial increase in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is considered a major threat to developing countries. According to various international organizations and…
Abstract
Purpose
The substantial increase in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is considered a major threat to developing countries. According to various international organizations and researchers, Kerala is reputed to have the best health system in India. However, many economists and health-care experts have discussed the risks embedded in the asymmetrical developmental pattern of the state, considering its high health-care and human development index and low economic growth. This study, a scoping review, aims to explore four major health economic issues related to the Kerala health system.
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic review of the literature was performed using PRISMA to facilitate selection, sampling and analysis. Qualitative data were collected for thematic content analysis.
Findings
Chronic diseases in a significant proportion of the population, low compliance with emergency medical systems, high health-care costs and poor health insurance coverage were observed in the Kerala community.
Research limitations/implications
The present study was undertaken to determine the scope for future research on Kerala's health system. Based on the study findings, a structured health economic survey is being conducted and is scheduled to be completed by 2021. In addition, the scope for future research on Kerala's health system includes: (1) research on pathways to address root causes of NCDs in the state, (2) determine socio-economic and health system factors that shape health-seeking behavior of the Kerala community, (3) evaluation of regional differences in health system performance within the state, (4) causes of high out-of-pocket expenditure within the state.
Originality/value
Given the internationally recognized standard of Kerala's vital statistics and health system, this review paper highlights some of the challenges encountered to elicit future research that contributes to the continuous development of health systems in Kerala.