Awareness of Health Issues
Among Tribal Women
A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED TO THE
DEPARTMENT OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT
DR. SHYMA PARASHAD MUKHERJEE UNIVERSITY
RANCHI
IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE
OF
MASTERS IN ARTS OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT
SUBMITTED BY :- SHRISTY KUMARI
ROLL NO :- 21M296003
SUPERVISOR :- DR. RAJEEV KUMAR
CO-SUPERVISOR :- MR. VIVEK BHAGAT
DEPARTMENT OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT
DEPARTMENT OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT
DR. SHYAMA PRASHAD MUKHARJEE UNIVERSITY
MORABADI, RANCHI
Declaration by the student:
“I, at this moment, declare that the present dissertation is my work, and I have properly
acknowledged the source of materials used in my dissertation.”
Shristy Kumari
A dissertation in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters in Arts in
Rural Development.
Examined and approved on:
By the following examiners:
Supervisor:
External examiner:
Department of Rural Development
DR. SHYAMA PRASHAD MUKHARJEE UNIVERSITY
MORABADI, RANCHI, JHARKHAND
DR. SHYAMA PRASAD MUKHERJEE UNIVERSITY, RANCHI
Department of Rural Development
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Certificate
This is to certify that the dissertation entitled “Awareness of health issues among tribal
women” submitted in the partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of MA in RD
(Rural Development) of the Department of Rural Development, Dr. Shyama Prasad
Mukherjee University, Ranchi, is the faithful record of the bonfire research work carried out
by Ratandeep under our supervision and guidance.
The result of the investigation recorded in this dissertation has not so far been submitted for
any other purpose. The assistance and help received during the investigation and the source
of literature have been fully acknowledged.
Signature of Co-Supervisor Signature of Supervisor
ABSTRACT
TITLE : Awareness of health issue among tribal women
AUTHER : Shristy Kumari
SUPERVISOR : Dr. Rajeev Kumar
CO-SUPERVISOR : Vivek Kumar Bhagat
INSTITUTE : Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University, Ranchi
DEPARTMENT : Department of Rural Development
COURSE : M.A. in Rural Development
Lodha tribe women face unique challenges when it comes to healthcare access and often
suffer from malnutrition, anemia, and reproductive health problems. By raising awareness
about these issues, we can work towards improving their overall health and well-being. The
Lodha tribe is an indigenous community that resides in the state of Odisha in India. They
have a distinct culture and way of life, which is closely tied to the forests they inhabit. The
Lodha people are primarily farmers and gatherers, relying on the forest for food, medicine,
and other resources. Their unique lifestyle and beliefs can impact their health in various
ways. For example, their reliance on the forest for food can lead to malnutrition if they are
unable to find sufficient sources of nutrition. Additionally, their traditional beliefs may
prevent them from seeking medical treatment for certain illnesses, leading to untreated health
problems.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Firstly, all the praise and glory to God, without God nothing is possible. I would like to thank
a few extraordinary people for their support during this time.
A dissertation is a huge commitment. I would not have completed this dissertation without
the help and support of a large community of faculty members. And I appreciated that every
time I need help for my dissertation, Dr. Rajeev sir was always there for me to help and
taught me new things.
Special thanks must also be given to my dissertation committee members, Vivek Kumar
Bhagat and Dr. Rajeev Kumar for their kind co-operation and guidance during my field
investigation which constantly kept track of my work.
I would like to thank the people of Bidisha and Daharpur village and my friends for their
precious time and for expressing their views and thoughts.
With thanks from
Shristy Kumari
Department of Rural Development (MA)
Dr. Shyama Prashad Mukherjee University
Ranchi, Jharkhand
CONTENT
Sl. No. CHAPTERS Page No.
1. Introduction 7
2. Literature Review 8
3. Method 13
4. Results and Tabulation 14
5. Results of PRA 16
6. Summary and conclusion 18
7. Limitations 19
8. Future Directions 20
9. References 21
10. Annexure 22
Introduction
The Lodha tribe, a vibrant indigenous community with a rich cultural heritage, resides in
diverse regions across India. While the tribe's traditions and way of life are deeply rooted,
their access to modern healthcare and health information remains limited. This lack of
awareness about health issues among Lodha tribe women poses significant challenges to their
overall well-being and that of their families.
The unique socio-cultural context in which the Lodha tribe lives often leads to disparities in
healthcare access, preventive measures, and health education. Addressing this gap and raising
awareness about health issues among Lodha tribe women is not only a matter of public health
but also a step towards preserving their invaluable heritage.
This initiative recognizes the importance of empowering Lodha tribe women with accurate
and culturally sensitive health information. By disseminating knowledge about maternal and
child health, hygiene practices, nutrition, and disease prevention, we can equip these women
to make informed decisions that positively impact the health of their families and the entire
community.
Through targeted awareness programs, community engagement, and collaboration with local
healthcare providers, this initiative aims to bridge the information gap and ensure that Lodha
tribe women have access to the tools they need to lead healthier lives. By doing so, we honor
their heritage, contribute to their socio-economic development, and strive for a brighter and
healthier future for the Lodha tribe as a whole.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Lodha tribe women face a range of health issues that are often exacerbated by their unique
cultural practices and limited access to healthcare. Malnutrition is one of the most prevalent
issues, with many women lacking access to nutritious food and suffering from chronic
hunger. Anemia is also common, with up to 90% of women in some areas affected by this
condition. Reproductive health problems, including high rates of maternal mortality and
infant mortality, are another major concern.
Lodha is a primitive tribe living in a dense forest area of districts Mednapure (West Bengal).
Lodha has its specific language, customs, tradition, and living styles. Lodhas are different
from other people in respect of food habits and living styles. They solely depend upon the
forest for their earning. They collect minor forest produce from the nearby forest, are
employed as manual labor, and don’t have enough income. Some of them don’t have
adequate knowledge about cultivation practices and earned money by robbery and theft and
they were named as “Criminal tribe” by the British government till the revocation of the
Criminal Tribes Act of 1952 (Pal et al., 2015). The practice of that criminality has very much
deep-rooted in this community that they were boycotted by the rest of the community. Today
they are considered as a degenerated human group and require special attention for improving
their economic, social, educational, and nutritional status. Women play an important role in
shaping the health and nutritional status of family members, whereas they have very poor
health and nutritional status.
The health and nutritional status of the women who belong to the Particularly vulnerable
tribal group (PVTG) are not different from these women rather they have a very miserable
status due to poverty, ignorance, illiteracy, lack of awareness, customs, tradition, and blind
beliefs. Proper understanding of different health aspects of tribal women is required so that
proper health measures can be chalked out and implemented. More necessarily there is an
emergency need for the region-specific study of the health and nutritional status of the tribal
women, as the national level study may not quite be applicable for the regional diversities of
the tribal population.
The Lodha community is socially and economically backward and the total literacy rate the
Lodha tribe is 43.1%, whereas, the female literacy rate is 35.1% as per the census 2011.
Assessment of nutritional status is considered as a measure of health and is essential for
planners to understand the food and nutritional condition among the tribal population for the
betterment of these vulnerable groups.
These health issues have a significant impact on the lives of Lodha tribe women, leading to
poor health outcomes and reduced quality of life. For example, malnutrition can lead to
stunted growth and cognitive development in children, while anemia can cause fatigue,
weakness, and other health problems. Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted
approach that takes into account the unique cultural and social factors that impact the health
of Lodha tribe women.
Access to healthcare is a fundamental right for all, yet Lodha tribe women face numerous
barriers in accessing it. Lack of transportation, language barriers, and cultural stigma are
some of the major obstacles that prevent them from receiving the care they need.To
overcome these barriers, community-based solutions must be implemented. Mobile clinics
can be set up to bring healthcare services directly to the women. Language barriers can be
addressed by providing translation services or training local people as interpreters. Cultural
stigma can be tackled through community education programs that promote awareness and
understanding of the importance of healthcare.
Education plays a crucial role in improving the health outcomes of Lodha tribe women. By
providing education on health and wellness, women are able to make informed decisions
about their own health and that of their families. They can also better understand how to
access healthcare services and navigate the healthcare system.
In addition, education can help break down cultural barriers that prevent women from seeking
healthcare. By educating women about the importance of preventative care and regular
check-ups, they can feel more comfortable seeking medical attention when needed. Overall,
education is a powerful tool for empowering women and improving the health of entire
communities.
The government has taken several initiatives to improve the health of Lodha tribe women.
One such initiative is providing free healthcare services, including maternal and child health
services, at the community level. These services are delivered through mobile clinics that
visit remote areas where Lodha tribe women live. The government also provides education
programs on nutrition, hygiene, and reproductive health to raise awareness among women.
While these initiatives have had a positive impact, but there is still room for improvement.
One suggestion is to increase the number of mobile clinics and healthcare workers to reach
more women in remote areas. Additionally, the government can collaborate with NGOs to
provide training and resources to healthcare workers to ensure quality care. Finally, it is
important to involve community leaders and members in the planning and implementation of
these initiatives to ensure they are culturally appropriate and effective.
NGOs play a crucial role in improving the health of Lodha tribe women. They often work in
partnership with government agencies and community leaders to provide healthcare services,
education, and support. One successful initiative taken by NGOs is the establishment of
mobile health clinics that travel to remote areas to provide healthcare services. Another is the
training of community health workers to raise awareness about health issues and provide
basic healthcare services. To expand their reach, NGOs can collaborate with more local
organizations and involve more community members in their initiatives.
Community involvement is crucial in improving the health of Lodha tribe women. By
working together, community leaders and members can raise awareness about health issues
and promote healthy behaviours. This can include organizing health camps, providing
education on nutrition and hygiene, and advocating for better healthcare access.
Involving the community also ensures that initiatives are culturally appropriate and respectful
of local beliefs and practices. It empowers community members to take ownership of their
own health and encourages them to support each other in making positive changes.
Ultimately, community involvement is key to creating sustainable solutions that improve the
health and well-being of Lodha tribe women.
Traditional medicine has been an important part of the healthcare practices of Lodha tribe
women for generations. It is based on the use of natural remedies and holistic healing
techniques that are deeply rooted in their culture and beliefs.
While modern healthcare practices have their own benefits, traditional medicine can
complement them by providing a more holistic approach to healthcare. Integrating the two
can lead to better health outcomes for Lodha tribe women. Empowering Lodha tribe women
to take control of their own health is crucial in improving the overall health outcomes for
themselves and their families. When women are empowered, they are more likely to make
informed decisions about their health and seek healthcare services when needed. This not
only benefits them but also has a positive impact on their families and communities.
Cultural sensitivity is critical when delivering healthcare services to tribal women. It involves
understanding and respecting their cultural beliefs, practices, and values. By doing so,
healthcare providers can establish trust and build relationships with the community, which is
essential for effective healthcare delivery. For example, some tribes believe in traditional
healing methods and may prefer them over Western medicine. In such cases, healthcare
providers can work with traditional healers to provide holistic care.
Another example of successful healthcare interventions that took cultural factors into account
is the use of community health workers. These individuals are often members of the
community who speak the local language and understand the cultural norms. They can act as
a bridge between the healthcare system and the community, helping to overcome language
and cultural barriers.
Studies have shown that when women are empowered, there is a decrease in child mortality
rates and an increase in child immunization rates. Additionally, empowering women can lead
to better nutrition and hygiene practices, which can prevent common health issues among
Lodha tribe women such as malnutrition and anemia.
Tribal communities often face unique challenges when it comes to accessing healthcare and
health information. Lack of awareness, cultural barriers, and limited resources contribute to
health disparities among tribal women. To address these issues, a comprehensive health
awareness initiative targeted specifically towards tribal women is proposed. This initiative
aims to empower tribal women with essential health knowledge, promote preventive
healthcare practices, and improve their overall well-being.
Objectives:
1. Raise Awareness: Increase awareness among tribal women about common health
issues, hygiene practices, nutrition, maternal and child health, and the importance of
regular check-ups.
2. Cultural Sensitivity: Design and implement programs that respect and integrate the
cultural beliefs and practices of tribal communities while delivering health education.
3. Empowerment: Provide tribal women with the knowledge and tools they need to
make informed decisions about their health and the health of their families.
4. Preventive Healthcare: Promote preventive measures such as immunizations, family
planning, and early detection of diseases to reduce health risks.
5. Access to Healthcare Services: Facilitate access to healthcare services by providing
information about nearby clinics, hospitals, and government healthcare schemes
Initiative Components
1. Workshops and Training: Conduct interactive workshops and training sessions in
tribal villages, focusing on topics such as reproductive health, nutrition, sanitation,
and disease prevention.
2. Educational Materials: Develop culturally sensitive educational materials, including
pamphlets, videos, and posters, in local languages that explain health concepts and
practices.
3. Community Health Workers: Train local women from tribal communities to become
community health workers who can act as intermediaries between healthcare facilities
and tribal women. They can provide guidance and support in accessing healthcare
services.
4. Mobile Clinics: Organize mobile clinics that visit remote tribal areas regularly,
offering basic healthcare services, health check-ups, and consultations.
5. Collaborations: Partner with local NGOs, healthcare organizations, and government
agencies to pool resources and expertise for a more comprehensive approach.
6. Digital Outreach: Create a dedicated website or mobile app with easy-to-understand
health information, appointment booking features, and updates about upcoming
awareness events.
7. Peer-to-Peer Learning: Encourage a peer-to-peer learning approach where tribal
women share health-related knowledge and experiences with each other.
8. Incentives: Provide small incentives, such as hygiene kits or nutritious food, to
encourage tribal women's participation in awareness programs and health check-ups.
Methods
The data from the field is collected with the help of observation. Observation helped me to
observe the village area and its people, and their way of life and further helped me in my
personal topic.
The quantitative survey is the structure of the set of questions. The order of questions, the
language of the questions, and the arrangement of the part of the schedule are not changed. In
my research study, I had to fill up some basic information about each child (boys) in the
household such as their name, age, parent’s occupation, etc.
In the interview method for my study, I have prepared a questionnaire which I have to ask the
interviewer for the purpose of my study. This method helped me to get detailed information.
PRA is a method of learning about rural life and their environment from the rural people.
Basically, we can say PRA is to learn from rural people.
Results and Tabulation
Table 1: Impact of Nutritional garden on Haemoglobin status of the Lodha Tribal women
Table-1 Nutritional garden had to some extent impact on the hemoglobin status of the Lodha tribal
women. Before the establishment of the Nutritional Garden, 3.67% of the respondents were non
anaemic, 48.33% were mildly anaemic, 45% were moderately anaemic and 3% were severely
anaemic but after the introduction of the Nutritional Garden the percentage of non anaemic
increased to 23%, the mild anaemic percentage increased to 65%, moderate anaemic percentage
reduced to 12% and the Lodha tribal women suffering from severe anaemic conditions were not
found. Suri (2020) [4] found similar findings that before the development of the nutrition garden,
91% of the women suffered from anemia but after the development of the nutrition garden it was
reduced to 62%.
Table: Impact of Nutritional garden on the occurrence of diseases
Table 2: Here, remark on the impact of Nutritional gardens on the occurrence of diseases of Lodha
tribal women, the graph shows among the respondents 55%, 29%, 38%, 23%, and 27% suffered from
Osteoporosis, Eye disease, Constipation, Joint pain, and Scurvey respectively before the intervention
of Nutritional garden at their backyard whereas the occurrence of the diseases like Osteoporosis, Eye
disease, Constipation, Joint pain, and Scurvey was reduced to 31%, 15%, 16%, 19%, and 21%
respectively among the Lodha tribal women after the development of Nutritional garden at their
backyard.
Results of PRA
PRA Techniques we used in our fieldwork of the Lodha tribe:
Participation: The active involvement of community members of the Lodha tribe in
all stages of the research process. It recognizes their expertise and local knowledge as
valuable resources.
Local Perspective: In PRA we focus on capturing the local perspective and
understanding of the community. It seeks to explore local realities, challenges, and
opportunities as perceived by community members.
Visual and Participatory Methods: We often utilize visual and interactive methods
such as mapping, diagrams, transect walks, focus group discussions, and participatory
ranking exercises to facilitate communication and engagement.
Holistic Approach: Our aim is to provide a holistic view of the community's social,
economic, and environmental dynamics. We consider the interrelationships between
various factors that influence community life.
Action-Oriented: We are not just about collecting information; it is action-oriented.
Our aim is to generate insights that lead to concrete actions and improvements in the
community's well-being.
Summary and Conculsion
Summary: The awareness of health issues among tribal women has been a subject of
growing concern in recent years. Tribal communities often face unique challenges related to
healthcare access, education, and cultural practices, which can contribute to a lack of
awareness about various health issues. This lack of awareness can lead to delayed or
inadequate healthcare-seeking behavior, resulting in poorer health outcomes for tribal
women.
Factors contributing to the low awareness of health issues among tribal women include
limited access to healthcare facilities, inadequate health education, language barriers, and a
lack of culturally sensitive healthcare services. Traditional beliefs, superstitions, and cultural
norms can also influence health-related behaviors, potentially leading to harmful practices or
neglect of important health matters.
Efforts to raise awareness among tribal women about health issues have included community-
based health education programs, mobile healthcare units, and partnerships with local tribal
leaders and organizations. These initiatives aim to provide accurate health information,
address cultural sensitivities, and improve healthcare access for tribal women.
Conclusion: In conclusion, addressing the awareness of health issues among tribal women is
a crucial step toward improving their overall well-being and reducing health disparities. To
achieve this, a multifaceted approach is needed. This includes designing culturally
appropriate health education materials, training healthcare providers to understand and
respect tribal customs, and ensuring better access to healthcare facilities in remote tribal
areas. Collaboration between government agencies, non-governmental organizations,
healthcare professionals, and local tribal communities is essential for the success of these
efforts. By prioritizing awareness and culturally sensitive healthcare interventions, we can
empower tribal women to make informed decisions about their health, leading to better health
outcomes and an overall improvement in the health status of tribal communities.
Limitation
The Lodha tribal area, primarily located in the states of Maharashtra and West Bengal in
India, presents specific challenges for health awareness among women due to its unique
cultural, social, and geographical context. Some limitations that may be relevant to health
awareness efforts in the Lodha tribal area include:
i. Cultural Diversity: The Lodha tribal area is characterized by cultural diversity within
the tribal community itself. Different sub-groups or clans within the Lodha
community might have distinct languages, customs, and practices, which can
complicate communication and awareness efforts.
ii. Language Barrier: The Lodha community may have its own language or dialect,
which can pose a significant challenge when trying to convey health information. If
health messages are not communicated in the local language, they might not be well
understood or accepted.
iii. Traditional Beliefs and Practices: The Lodha tribe likely has its own traditional
healing practices and beliefs. Integrating modern health information into their existing
belief system while respecting their traditions can be complex.
iv. Gender Roles and Norms: Gender roles and norms within the Lodha community
might influence women's access to information and decision-making power. If women
have limited autonomy and decision-making authority, it could affect their
participation in health awareness programs.
v. Geographical Isolation: Some Lodha settlements might be located in remote and hard-
to-reach areas. This isolation can hinder the delivery of health services and awareness
programs.
vi. Limited Education: Education levels within the Lodha community might be lower
than national averages. Low literacy rates can impact the effectiveness of written or
text-based health education materials.
vii. Health Infrastructure: The availability of healthcare facilities and trained healthcare
professionals might be limited in the Lodha tribal area. This can affect access to
medical care and accurate health information.
viii. Lack of Transportation: Poor road infrastructure and transportation options can make
it difficult for women to access healthcare facilities or attend health awareness
programs in other locations.
Future Direction
The future direction of health awareness initiatives for women in the Lodha tribal area should
be based on a holistic, community-centered approach that takes into account the unique
cultural, social, and geographical aspects of the community. Here are some potential
directions to consider:
i. Community Engagement: Involve the Lodha community members, including women,
in the planning, design, and implementation of health awareness programs. Engaging
local leaders, elders, and women influencers can help ensure that the initiatives are
culturally sensitive and relevant.
ii. Cultural Sensitivity: Develop health awareness materials and campaigns that respect
and incorporate the Lodha culture, language, and traditions. Use storytelling, visual
aids, and local communication channels to convey health messages effectively.
iii. Health Champions: Identify and train local women within the community to become
health champions or community health workers. These individuals can serve as
bridges between modern healthcare practices and traditional beliefs, helping to
disseminate information and promote healthier behaviors.
iv. Tailored Communication: Deliver health messages using oral communication
methods, local folk songs, dramas, and traditional gatherings to effectively reach
women who might have limited literacy or access to written materials.
v. Digital Initiatives: If feasible, introduce technology-based initiatives such as audio
messages, mobile apps, and voice calls to deliver health information to women, even
in areas with limited access to the internet.
vi. Maternal and Child Health: Focus on maternal and child health, as these issues
directly impact women and families. Provide information about prenatal care, safe
childbirth practices, immunizations, and nutrition for mothers and infants.
vii. Nutrition Programs: Implement programs that educate women about balanced diets,
locally available nutritious foods, and addressing malnutrition. Collaborate with local
agricultural initiatives to promote the cultivation of nutritious crops.
viii. Access to Healthcare Services: Improve access to healthcare facilities within the
Lodha tribal area by establishing or enhancing existing health centers. Ensure that
these centers are staffed with trained healthcare professionals.
ix. Integrated Approach: Collaborate with other sectors such as education, agriculture,
and women's empowerment to address health challenges in a comprehensive manner.
x. Behavioral Change: Develop behavior change communication strategies that motivate
women to adopt healthier practices and encourage their families to do the same.
xi. Long-Term Sustainability: Plan for long-term sustainability by building capacity
within the community to continue health awareness efforts beyond the initial
interventions.
xii. Monitoring and Evaluation: Regularly assess the impact of health awareness
initiatives through data collection, feedback from the community, and measurable
health indicators.
References
i. www.thepharmajournal.com/archives/2022/vol11issue7/PartAB/11-7-35-131.pdf
ii. https://www.bldeujournalhs.in/article.asp?issn=2468-
838X;year=2020;volume=5;issue=1;spage=20;epage=25;aulast=Das
iii. JoR-ANGRAU-Jan-March-2022+(9)%20(4).pdf
iv. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/
360560266_Perception_of_Subjective_Well-
being_of_the_Lodha_Tribe_in_West_Bengal
