Epidemiologic transition: theory and facts, with focus on South India

Over the past centuries, mortality and morbidity patterns have been changing all over the world albeit with variations in timing and pace. These changes have been referred to as the epidemiologic transition (Omran 1971, 1982). The main features of the transition include a decline in mortality, an increase in life expectancy, and a shift in the leading causes of morbidity and mortality from infectious and parasitic diseases to non-communicable, chronic, and degenerative diseases. The present chapter discusses epidemiologic transition theory and focuses on infants and infant mortality. In addition, as a background setting to the study, it provides data on the recent global situation in terms of this transition. Special attention is given to the position of India and in particular the South Indian states of Karnataka and Kerala. The HERA (HEalthy reproduction: Research for Action) research programme has research experience in both Karnataka and Kerala. Previous projects included ones on maternal nutrition during pregnancy, child spacing, and reproductive health (see Section 1.4). With reference to epidemiologic transition, South India and, in particular, Kerala are considered to be regions in transition.