Factors Influencing Health of the Santals: A Study of Selected Villages of Birbhum

Abstract

The study discusses the influence of social, economic and cultural factors on healthseeking behaviours of the Santals living in six villages of Birbhum district in West Bengal, India. By employing both qualitative and quantitative methods, data were collected for the study. The analysis shows the link between educational, social, economic and cultural factors and health-seeking behaviour. Lack of economic freedom was found as the predominant indicator in restricting access to better health-care facilities. Poor occupational standards, low levels of income and less investment in maintaining health influence the health-seeking behaviour of Santals in the studied area. The study argues that the existing services are inadequate and often inappropriately implemented. The findings have implications for enhancing the role of education and improving the quality and quantity of services.

Demographic & health profile of tribal population of telangana - A cross sectional study

“…Poor hygiene of the surroundings was seen in all the study participants. Similar findings were seen in a study conducted by Asok kumar Sarkar, 11 where none of the villages have proper drainage and sewage management systems in place. Illiteracy and Ignorance could be the main reasons for poor hygiene in the surroundings.…”

“…Among the study population, alcoholism was the major (50%) addiction followed by smoking(7.1%). Different findings were seen in a study conducted by Asok kumar Sarkar, 11 where Smoking is widely prevalent than chewing tobacco and drinkingalcohol.…”

A cross-sectional study on oral hygiene among Santhal tribal adults in a rural area of West Bengal

“…The information regarding the sociodemographic factors recorded showed that among the Santhal tribe majority (40.7%) were educated till the level of primary or below, this low literacy among tribes is considered to be a primary cause of their socioeconomic backwardness which is depicted in the study findings and is in accordance to other studies. [ 11 12 13 ]…”

Households’ responses on medical pluralism: Dynamics and determinants of access to traditional medicines in India

“…12 Economic support extended by institutions and affordability of the individuals are predominant indicators that influence their health seeking behaviour. 7,13,14 The high cost and unavailability of modern health care system has serious implication for the livelihood of the poor households. 15 The role of education in the context of health access is significant.…”

“…Studies identified that education level of the individual is positively linked to health awareness and better health access. 14,16,17 A common believe that people carry regarding the cause of illness is owing to the evil touch, evil eye, blind faith, black magic, spirit call, stormy wind and village deity etc. In Sweden, the believes of the Christianity influence the hospital chaplaincy.…”