COMMON INFECTIONS IN RURAL PAKISTAN: AN EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY AND PUBLIC HEALTH INSIGHTS

Abstract

Infectious diseases pose a significant public health challenge in rural Pakistan due to limited healthcare access and infrastructure. This cross-sectional study analyzed the prevalence of gastrointestinal, respiratory, and dermatological infections among different age and gender groups in a rural population of 50,000 across seven villages. Data collected over 45 days from a basic health unit showed respiratory and dermatological infections peaked in the 15–49 age group, while gastrointestinal infections were most common in children aged 1–4 years. Males had a slightly higher rate of dermatological infections, with minor gender differences in other infection types. These findings reveal distinct epidemiological patterns and emphasize the need for targeted public health interventions, improved healthcare access, and prevention strategies tailored to demographic groups. Future longitudinal studies are recommended to clarify causal links and improve disease control efforts