A Qualitative Study on Maternal and Child Health Practices among Baiga Tribe of Madhya Pradesh State in Central India

Abstract

Introduction: Health improvement for the tribal and their delivery system cannot be the same because of cultural pattern, lifestyle and health seeking behavior of tribal population. Maternal and child health care practices observed to be poor among particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs) in India. Methods: Focus Group Discussions (FDS) were conducted among ever married women aged 15-49 years. Areas explored included disclosure of pregnancy status, access barriers, perceptions about existing maternal and child health (MCH) services and influencing factors for utilization of traditional health care facilities. Content and thematic analysis was used to identify common responses and ideas. Results: Twelve FDGs were undertaken by trained investigators one in each village. Participants were identified through the Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) residing in the same village. It was observed that few women are disclosing their pregnancy status to their family members after first trimester; women have many wrong perceptions about safe delivery and abortions. Due to lack of transport facilities and poverty they felt seeking health care was difficult and costly. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that Baiga is one of the PVTGs residing in dense forest in central India have low awareness and underutilization of MCH services. Key words: Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups, Tribal Population, Indigenous Health System, Maternal and Child Health, Rural Practice, Forest and Interior, Remote Area