Annual Demographic Behaviour of Rural Population Covered Under Demographic Surveillance at Palwa Sector, Ujjain District (2023)

Abstract

Background: Demographic surveillance provides essential insights into fertility, mortality, migration, and maternal and child health indicators, particularly in rural populations where localized data are often limited. National demographic estimates may mask important micro-level variations, highlighting the need for block-level surveillance to support decentralized planning and targeted public health interventions.
Aim and Objectives: To analyse and compare demographic characteristics and birth-related events across three rural blocks, Tarana, Mahidpur, and Ghatiya of Ujjain district, using routine demographic surveillance data for the year 2023. The objectives included comparison of live births, childbirth characteristics, mortality patterns, and migration trends, along with evaluation of block-wise demographic indicators.
Methodology: This retrospective cross-sectional record-based study was conducted using demographic surveillance data from 60 adopted rural villages under the field practice area of the Tertiary Medical College of Madhya Pradesh. Universal sampling was applied, and all recorded live births, deaths, immigration, and emigration events between 1 January and 30 December 2023 were included. Data were extracted using a structured format, analysed using SPSS software, and summarized using descriptive and inferential statistics, including chi-square tests for block-wise comparisons.
Results: The study covered a population of 99,067 and recorded 1,439 live births and 405 deaths, resulting in a crude birth rate of 14.5 per 1000 and a crude death rate of 4.09 per 1000. Ghatiya showed the lowest mortality, highest natural increase, and highest net migration rate, indicating stronger population growth dynamics. Institutional deliveries were predominant across all blocks, and normal vaginal delivery was the most common mode. Female migration constituted the majority of migration events. However, sex ratios at birth were low across all blocks, indicating gender imbalance.
Conclusion: The study highlights significant inter-block demographic variations and demonstrates the utility of routine demographic surveillance in identifying localized population trends. Regular surveillance can support evidence-based planning, strengthen maternal and child health programs, and enable targeted public health interventions at block and district levels.