Year: 2019 | Month: March | Volume 8 | Issue 1
Health Status and Health Seeking Behaviour of Oraon Female Adolescents in Jharkhand
Abstract:
Oraon is the second largest tribal group in Jharkhand, consisting of 20% of total Scheduled Tribe (ST) population. Despite their numerical strength, not much research has been conducted on the health status of Oraons. The confined geographical location, unique socio-cultural settings, and inadequate health facilities, are among various factors responsible for creating vulnerability among Oraons in terms of health. This study analyzed the health status and health seeking behavior among Oraons from their perspectives. The main focus of this study was on female adolescents since adolescence is an important phase in the life span of humans when they develop and rationalize various concepts about everyday life in context to health issues and health seeking behaviour. An in-depth qualitative study was conducted in Gokhulpur village at Nagar Panchayat in Sisai block, Gumla district for detailed understanding about notions on health issues that influence their health status and health seeking behavior. The health status of Oraons is highly influenced by their perception of heath and ill-health which is shaped by their culture. Regarding their health-seeking behavior, it can be contended that Oraon female adolescents rely heavily on traditional healer, the Bhagat. Such reliance was shaped by the cultural practices of the community. Analysis of field data suggests that for Oraons culture acts as a facilitator of maintaining good health care practices. Hence, this paper reinforces the role of culture as an important social determinant of health affecting health status and health seeking behavior of Oran female adolescents.
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