Mental Health Research Among Tribal Population in India

Abstract

Tribals are the most marginalized social category in the country. There is little and scattered information on the actual burden and pattern of illnesses they suffer from. Tribal communities in general and primitive tribal groups are prone to disease. Also, they do not have required access to basic health facilities. They are most exploited, neglected, and highly vulnerable to diseases with a high degree of malnutrition, morbidity, and mortality. Research on the mental health of tribal people is not much in numbers. Few studies made on them have produced inconsistent results. This study aims to assess the mental health status of tribal communities. It was found that due to a lack of appropriate mental health services in rural areas, the tribal population is unable to access the needful services and treatment. There is a need to develop a psychosocial care program for tribal to promote positive social, physical, psychological, and emotional well-being. This study is the first of its kind to review research on mental health among STs. Mental health research conducted among STs in India is limited and is mostly of low-to-moderate quality. Determinants of poor mental health and interventions for addressing them need to be studied on an urgent basis.