Abstract

This study explores disease prevalence in Cooch Behar district of West Bengal with a specific focus on rural-urban disparities. Primary data were obtained from 440 households comprising 1,796 individuals, recording 2,118 self-reported illness episodes. Diseases are classified into three broad categories according to the modalities of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2010 and examined across demographic and socio-economic variables. The findings indicate a dual disease burden, with non-communicable diseases predominating particularly in urban areas while communicable diseases remain significant in rural regions. Higher morbidity prevalence is observed among women, elderly individuals, lower-income groups and less educated populations. The study highlights the need for comprehensive and inclusive health policies to reduce rural-urban disparities.