Published Paper Details:

Achieving the essential sustainable development goal of health requires a deep understanding of community health practices and behaviors. The unique socio-economic practices and geographic isolation of each tribal community shape their healthcare practices, thereby influencing their health outcomes and health-seeking behaviors. The study's foundation is the body of literature that was examined during doctoral research on tribal groups' health and health-seeking practices. To comprehend the ideas holistically, it has drawn on a variety of subject-specific literature, mainly from the disciplines of Anthropology and Public Health, that address diverse facets of health and health-seeking behaviors. The literature shows that in tribal communities, healthcare practices are strongly influenced by traditional beliefs. People often rely on ethnomedicine, which is a major healthcare system that is accessible to tribal communities. The reviews also noted that these communities lack knowledge about communicable and non-communicable diseases. Factors like education, household finances, and a limited understanding of health and illness impact their health-seeking behavior. Poor nutrition, unsanitary menstrual practices, inadequate maternal care, and poor hygiene are common issues. Barriers to accessing healthcare include a lack of facilities, financial constraints, and cultural beliefs. The study suggests using a bottom-up approach and government interventions in preventive and curative care to improve healthcare access for tribal populations.