Neonatal and Infant Illnesses and Health Seeking Behavior Among Hilly (Porja) Tribal Community: A Qualitative Observational Study

Abstract

Objectives: The study explores the health-seeking behavior for neonatal and infant illnesses of the Porja hilly tribe in Andhra Pradesh, India. Methods: This study was a community-based qualitative observational study conducted from July 2022 to February 2023. In-depth interviews ( n = 31) were conducted with parents of neonates and infants. Two focus group discussions (involving 12 each) were conducted to validate the findings with other female family members such as, grandmothers. Data collection was carried out by using a semi-structured questionnaire on traditional practices and basic socio-demographic characteristics along with an in-depth interview guide for undertaking qualitative interviews. Results: Qualitative findings were analyzed using the thematic framework approach, followed by the analysis of data from the field notes. Three themes (along with six sub-themes) were generated: (a) Early essential care, (b) Emergency of hospital care, (c) Effective Ethnomedical/Ritualistic Care (not requiring hospital care) which explained the tribal parents’ ways of care and treatment for their neonates and infants from various morbidity and mortality risks. Discussion: Culture-specified traditional beliefs play crucial roles in shaping the neonatal and infant health of indigenous hilly tribal communities. Preserving the beneficial traditional methods and preventing harmful practices can help improve the overall child health status in such resource scanty settings with inadequate neonatal services.