Paniya Voices: A Participatory Poverty and Health Assessment among a marginalized South Indian tribal population

Ks Mohindra,Slim Haddad,D Narayana,Ck Harikrishnadas,Ss Anushreedha

doi:10.1186/1471-2458-10-149

Abstract

BackgroundIn India, indigenous populations, known as Adivasi or Scheduled Tribes (STs), are among the poorest and most marginalized groups. 'Deprived' ST groups tend to display high levels of resignation and to lack the capacity to aspire; consequently their health perceptions often do not adequately correspond to their real health needs. Moreover, similar to indigenous populations elsewhere, STs often have little opportunity to voice perspectives framed within their own cultural worldviews. We undertook a study to gather policy-relevant data on the views, experiences, and priorities of a marginalized and previously enslaved tribal group in South India, the Paniyas, who have little 'voice' or power over their own situation.Methods/designWe implemented a Participatory Poverty and Health Assessment (PPHA). We adopted guiding principles and an ethical code that promote respect for Paniya culture and values. The PPHA, informed by a vulnerability framework, addressed five key themes (health and illness, well-being, institutions, education, gender) using participatory approaches and qualitative methods. We implemented the PPHA in five Paniya colonies (clusters of houses in a small geographical area) in a gram panchayat (lowest level decentralized territorial unit) to generate data that can be quickly disseminated to decision-makers through interactive workshops and public forums.Preliminary findingsFindings indicated that the Paniyas are caught in multiple 'vulnerability traps', that is, they view their situation as vicious cycles from which it is difficult to break free.ConclusionThe PPHA is a potentially useful approach for global health researchers working with marginalized communities to implement research initiatives that will address those communities' health needs in an ethical and culturally appropriate manner.

Highlights

In India, indigenous populations, known as Adivasi or Scheduled Tribes (STs), are among the poorest and most marginalized groups
The Participatory Poverty and Health Assessment (PPHA) is a potentially useful approach for global health researchers working with marginalized communities to implement research initiatives that will address those communities’ health needs in an ethical and culturally appropriate manner
The Participatory Poverty and Health Assessment (PPHA), that draws upon public health traditions and development research and practices

Summary

Introduction

In India, indigenous populations, known as Adivasi or Scheduled Tribes (STs), are among the poorest and most marginalized groups. We undertook a study to gather policy-relevant data on the views, experiences, and priorities of a marginalized and previously enslaved tribal group in South India, the Paniyas, who have little ‘voice’ or power over their own situation. A key public health challenge is to determine the health needs of indigenous populations using approaches that appropriately reflect their conditions and concerns while respecting their culture and identity. Indigenous researchers have challenged approaches that are rooted in scientific objectivity, calling for the use of indigenous theoretical frameworks, perspectives, and ‘ways of knowing’ [1,2]. They argue that research initiatives should focus on indigenous research priorities that promote self-determination, mobilization and. Despite more than 50 years of affirmative action by the Indian government, large disparities in health and well-being persist between STs and the rest of the population [10]

Objectives

Methods

Findings

Conclusion