Addressing healthcare gaps in rural India: a cross-sectional study of patient concerns at a medical camp in Gujarat

Quintin Norris; Priyal Desai; Nick Siegelman; Mackenzie Elting; Preston Giroux; Delaney Kaklamanos; Daniel Olsen; Anna Potter

doi:10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20261735

Authors

Quintin Norris Department of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Clearwater, Florida, USA
Priyal Desai Department of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Clearwater, Florida, USA
Nick Siegelman Department of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Clearwater, Florida, USA
Mackenzie Elting Department of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Clearwater, Florida, USA
Preston Giroux Department of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Clearwater, Florida, USA
Delaney Kaklamanos Department of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Clearwater, Florida, USA
Daniel Olsen Department of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Clearwater, Florida, USA
Anna Potter Department of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Clearwater, Florida, USA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20261735

Keywords:

India, Malnutrition, Musculoskeletal diseases, Rural health, Community health services, Health services accessibility

Abstract

Background: Rural regions of Gujarat, India faces significant healthcare challenges due to limited provider access, financial constraints and transportation barriers. Medical camps serve underserved populations, but data on presenting concerns remain limited.

Methods: A cross-sectional chart review was conducted at a free medical camp in Ahwa, Gujarat. Data collected included demographics, diagnoses, medications and anthropometric measures. A scoliosis screening was also performed in children aged 10–13 years.

Results: Of 786 patients, 646 met inclusion criteria (mean age 34.2 years; 56.4% female). Musculoskeletal conditions were most common (32.1%), followed by dermatologic (23.5%) and respiratory conditions (22.1%). Low back pain and knee pain predominated. Oral analgesics (31.0%) and multivitamins (18.7%) were most frequently prescribed. Among adults, 24.5% were overweight and 8.2% obese, while 20.2% of children were underweight. No scoliosis cases were identified.

Conclusions: Musculoskeletal, dermatologic and respiratory conditions represent primary healthcare needs in rural Gujarat. Coexisting adult overweight/obesity and pediatric undernutrition highlight the need for targeted interventions. These findings support integrating primary care, preventive education and low-cost treatment strategies into rural health programs.

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