The influence of social factors on the infectious morbidity of the population of the cities of Western Siberia in the post-war years (1945–1948)

The preservation of public health is a priority task for the development of the state in any historical epoch. Special attention is paid to this area of life in times of crisis, which undoubtedly included the first post-war years. The study presented below is the result of studying the influence of social factors on the maintenance and preservation of public health in the cities of Western Siberia as the most important source of socio-economic development of the region and the country as a whole. Of all the somatic pathologies, only the infectious process was chosen as the subject of the study, since this group of diseases is the most socially dependent. The intensity of their spread is influenced by population density, the quality of the household environment, sanitary living conditions, access to medical care, and other factors that are an integral part of people's social existence. Particularly dangerous infections such as tuberculosis, typhoid, dysentery and others became the main threat to public health in the first post-war years, therefore, the study of historical experience in combating them seems relevant. Empirically, the study is based on sources, the main body of which consists of appropriately grouped and analyzed statistical data deposited in the funds of both central and regional archives. An interdisciplinary approach is applied, combining historical, comparative and statistical research methods. The contribution of various factors to the improvement of the epidemic situation is assessed, taking into account the goals and objectives that are prioritized in those specific historical conditions. It is shown that the situation of socially significant infections developed non-linearly; the totality of diseases had a strong correlation with the actions of health authorities. An assessment of the effectiveness of their activities by the end of the period under review is given. Reasonable conclusions have been drawn that the correct organization of medical care has made a decisive contribution to improving the health of the population and reducing mortality from infectious pathologies, which, against the background of a gradually normalizing social and household situation, has minimized the negative economic consequences associated with them. The authors declare no conflicts of interests.

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