Tribal Communities Research Articles

Cultural Influences on Maternal and Child Health Practices. Insights from Juang Tribal Community of Odisha

Inside the Juang tribal group, complex interaction exists between cultural influences and the methods that are used to preserve mother and child health. Because of its location in a distant and culturally diverse region, the Juang community has developed its own distinctive customs, beliefs, and practices, all of which have a substantial influence on the health and happiness of mothers and children. This study provides light on the cultural determinants that influence mother and child health outcomes by conducting an in-depth investigation with the community. An investigation of the traditional birth customs, nutritional habits, and indigenous beliefs toward healthcare, and superstitions that are widespread in the Juang tribal group is presented in this research. The availability of contemporary medical services and their usage, and the part that extended families and community support networks play in the provision of maternal and child care assistance. The usage of traditional medications and herbal cures is also investigated, which offers vital insights into the dynamic relationship that exists between traditional and modern approaches to healthcare.

Gods and Goddesses of Tripura Society

India is a country of diverse Gods and Goddesses. Every religion, every state and every community has a unique tradition and customs for worshipping their deities. This is also the case in Tripura State, which is home to 19 tribal communities. Here is a brief discuss about the gods and goddesses of the Tripura community. Out of the many Gods and Goddesses here, Rondokmwtai( Mailuma/Khuluma) and Noksumwtai are two of the most important. The people of Tripura are basically naturists and nature worshippers. The God and Goddesses worshiped in Tripura society are composed of various nature elements including forest, water, soil, sky, moon, sun, planets, stars, earth, cosmos, etc. Tripuras worship their own deities according to their own rules. Deities are also named according to their own mother tongue. Although the name of the God and Goddesses worshiped by the Hindus, the method of performing the worship etc. are almost similar to these God and Goddesses of Tripura, they are not the same. Idol worship is not practiced in Tripura society even in tribal society. In the puja ceremony of Tripura, only the symbols of the deity are used as symbols of the deity in the seat of worship Wathop (making by bamboo), Dip, Marai, Khong, Nagri, Thalongma, etc. are used as aggregates of worship. As a result, the people did not need Brahmins to conduct the puja ceremonies. According to their own Culture, Religion, Customs, the Tripura people perform the puja with priest Chantai, Deorai or Ochai. All puja-parvan work is done hand in hand by Achai.

Clean and Healthy Living Behavior in the Taulotang Tribe Community in Sidenreng Rappang Regency

The Taulotang tribe is one of the tribes that only exists in Sidrap district and has real cultural differences from other tribes in Sidrap district. Healthy and clean living behavior is a form of embodiment of the healthy paradigm in individual culture. This research aims to examine the healthy and clean living behavior of the Taulotang Tribe community in Sidrap Regency. This type of research is observational research. This research was carried out in Sidrap Regency. The research population was all 754 families, the research sample was 100 respondents, the sampling technique was simple random sampling and the data analysis used was descriptive analysis. The research results show that the majority are men over 50 years old, have low education and work as farmers. The behavior of using healthy latrines was 54%, 37% used unhealthy latrines, and 9% used poor latrines. The behavior of using clean water is 94% and the use of unclean water is 6%. The behavior of respondents in using trash cans was 37% and 63% did not use trash cans. The behavior of using trash cans, the majority do not use trash cans, namely 63 respondents (63%) and only 37 respondents (37%) who use trash cans. The lack of behavior in using healthy toilets and the lack of behavior in using trash bins is caused by the lack of awareness of respondents regarding healthy and clean living behavior, for this reason, integrated efforts are needed to promote healthy and clean living behavior.The Taulotang tribe is one of the tribes that only exists in Sidrap district and has real cultural differences from other tribes in Sidrap district. Healthy and clean living behavior is a form of embodiment of the healthy paradigm in individual culture. This research aims to examine the healthy and clean living behavior of the Taulotang Tribe community in Sidrap Regency. This type of research is observational research. This research was carried out in Sidrap Regency. The research population was all 754 families, the research sample was 100 respondents, the sampling technique was simple random sampling and the data analysis used was descriptive analysis. The research results show that the majority are men over 50 years old, have low education and work as farmers. The behavior of using healthy latrines was 54%, 37% used unhealthy latrines, and 9% used poor latrines. The behavior of using clean water is 94% and the use of unclean water is 6%. The behavior of respondents in using trash cans was 37% and 63% did not use trash cans. The behavior of using trash cans, the majority do not use trash cans, namely 63 respondents (63%) and only 37 respondents (37%) who use trash cans. The lack of behavior in using healthy toilets and the lack of behavior in using trash bins is caused by the lack of awareness of respondents regarding healthy and clean living behavior, for this reason, integrated efforts are needed to promote healthy and clean living behavior.

Oral Healthcare Utilization Factors Shaping the Perceived Oral Health Outcome Among Gond Tribes of Chhattisgarh: A Cross-Sectional Study Based on Andersen's Behavioral Model.

The Gonds are a highly ancient and expansive tribal community, ranking among the largest in the world. A review of the literature has suggested that they are more vulnerable to oral diseases and are less inclined to utilize oral health services due to the comprehensive approach that considers the socioeconomic, cultural, and structural factors affecting the Gond community's access to oral health services. Tribal health requires action in the health sector. Utilization is an essential marker of the health status of any population and is necessary to bridge the gap between tribes and the wider portion of the community. Hence, this study was conducted among the Gond tribes of Chhattisgarh to evaluate the oral healthcare utilization factors shaping the perceived oral health outcome using Andersen's behavior model. This cross-sectional study was carried out among 400 Gond tribes residing in villages of Chhattisgarh.Data was collected through a standardized questionnaire, adapted from Andersen's behavioral model of healthcare utilization during house-to-house survey. The questionnaire included predisposing, enabling, perceived, and evaluated need factors. Oral health status for evaluated need was assessed using the World Health Organization (WHO) Oral Health Assessment form (1997), and the perceived oral health outcome was measured using Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14). Results were computed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Multivariate analysis was done using binomial logistic regression. The dental visit in the past one year was only 14%. The findings of logistic regression revealed that the perceived oral health outcome was significantly associated with age, occupation, and positive belief in the efficacy of dentist, perceived need, and presence of dental caries. The findings of the present study support Andersen's behavioral model and suggest that there is an interrelationship of predisposing characters, predisposing health beliefs, andenabling need factors that determine the likelihood of use of services, whichin turndetermines the good or bad oral health outcome.

Analysis of Ethnopharmacological Studies on the Use of the Sambiloto Plant in the Treatment of Malaria in the Asmat Tribal Community in Papua, Indonesia

Introduction: Malaria is still a major health problem in Indonesia, especially in the Papua region. The Asmat tribe has traditional knowledge about the use of medicinal plants to treat malaria, one of which is sambiloto.
 Methods: This research uses a qualitative observational research design with an ethnopharmacological approach. This approach combines aspects of ethnography and pharmacology to study traditional knowledge and the use of medicinal plants in a community.
 Results: It was discovered that sambiloto has long been used by the Asmat tribe to treat malaria. Sambiloto leaf is processed into a decoction or juice and drunk to relieve malaria symptoms such as fever, chills, and headaches.
 Conclusion: This ethnopharmacological study shows that sambiloto has potential as an herbal medicine for treating malaria in the Asmat community. Further research is needed to test the effectiveness and safety of sambiloto in the treatment of malaria.

Should tobacco sales be restricted to state-run alcohol outlets? Perspectives from 10 US alcohol control states.

The ubiquity of tobacco retailers helps to sustain the tobacco epidemic. A tobacco retail reduction approach that has not been tried is transitioning tobacco sales to state-controlled alcohol stores (TTS), which are limited in number and operate under some restrictions, e.g. regarding opening hours or marketing materials. This study summarizes policy experts' and advocates' views of TTS, including (1) advantages and disadvantages; (2) feasibility; and (3) potential implementation obstacles. This study was a qualitative content analysis of semi-structured interviews. Ten US states with alcoholic beverage control systems wereincluded. The participants comprised a total of 103 tobacco control advocates and professionals, public health officials, alcohol policy experts and alcohol control system representatives, including two tribal community representatives. Interviewees' perspectives on their state's alcoholic beverage control agency (ABC, the agency that oversees or operates a state alcohol monopoly) and on TTS were assessed. Interviewees thought TTS offered potential advantages, including reduced access to tobacco products, less exposure to tobacco advertising and a greater likelihood of successful smoking cessation. Some saw potential long-term health benefits for communities of color, due to the smaller number of state alcohol stores in those communities. Interviewees also raised concerns regarding TTS, including ABCs' limited focus on public health and emphasis on revenue generation, which could conflict with tobacco use reduction efforts. Some interviewees thought TTS could enhance the power of the tobacco and alcohol industries, increase calls for alcohol system privatization or create difficulties for those in recovery. In the United States, transitioning tobacco sales to state-controlled alcohol stores (TTS) could have a positive public health impact by reducing tobacco availability, marketing exposure and, ultimately, tobacco use. However, tensions exist between alcohol control system goals of providing revenue to the state and protecting public health. Should a state decide to pursue TTS, several guardrails should be established, including building into the legislation an explicit goal of reducing tobacco consumption.

Political and Constitutional Rights of Tribal Communities in Indian Constitution

Political and Constitutional Rights of Tribal Communities in Indian Constitution

Hospitalisation expenditure on tuberculosis among tribal populations in India: A repeated cross-sectional analysis of national sample survey data, 2004 to 2018

ObjectiveTribal population in India (8.6% of the total population) have a greater prevalence of tuberculosis compared to the national average. The article aims to study out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE), hardship financing, and impoverishment effects of TB hospitalisation treatment among tribal populations in India. MethodsData of three rounds of National Sample Surveys (NSS) 60th (2004–05), 71st (2013–14) and 75th (2017–18) rounds were analyzed. Descriptive statistics, bivariate estimates and multivariate models were performed to calculate the OOPE, healthcare burden (HCB), catastrophic health expenditure (CHE), hardship financing and impoverishment effects using standard definitions at February 2023 price values. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to examine the effect of health insurance coverage on catastrophic health expenditure, and impoverishment. ResultsOver two-thirds of the TB cases are seen in the economically productive age group (14–59 years). Substantial OOPE and its impact on HCB, CHE, and poverty impact observed among 15–35 age group across all three rounds. Illiterate patients and those availing private hospitals for TB treatment had higher OOPE, HCB, hardship financing, CHE, and poverty impact. 38.5% (2014) and 33.2% (2018) are covered with any kind of public healthcare coverage, PSM analysis shows households with health insurance have lower incidence of CHE and impoverishment effects due to TB hospitalisation expenditure. ConclusionsThe current study aids in comprehending the patterns in the financial burden of TB on tribal households during the previous 15 years and gives policy makers information for efficient resource allocation management for TB among Indian tribal communities.

Patterns of Neoplasm Among the Tribal and Non-Tribal Communities in Wayanad District of Kerala, India: A Hospital Based Cross-Sectional Study

Background: The burden of neoplasms coupled with the inaccessibility to health services has always been a public health concern among the tribal population. The objective of the study was to determine the patterns of neoplasm and its associated factors among the tribal and non-tribal communities attending a primary care hospital in Wayanad, Kerala. Methodology: A record based cross-sectional study was conducted in a primary care hospital in Wayanad, Kerala. Data of patients who attended the hospital from January 2016 to December 2021 were collected from the procedure registry. The independent predictors of the community were identified using regression model (p value <0.05 was significant). Results: Among the 650 study participants, majority (85.3%) were females. The mean (±SD) age was 41.62 ± 15.26 years. Only 8.5% of the study participants had malignant lesions. Multivariable analysis revealed that the pre-malignant and malignant lesions were more among the tribals [AOR (95% CI) =3.31 (1.46-7.52)] with a female preponderance [AOR (95% CI) =1.99 (1.17-3.40)]. The other independent predictors of the community were neoplasms of gastrointestinal system [AOR (95% CI) =2.90 (1.04-8.04)] and age less than 20 years [AOR (95% CI) =2.42 (1.06-5.54)]. Conclusion: An increasing trend of malignancy and pre-malignancy is seen among the tribal communities.

The value core of the traditional culture of the Buryats as an object of socio-cultural design

The authors consider in detail the features of the socio-cultural design of ethnocultural activities based on the actualization of traditional values and heritage in the Aginsky Buryat district. Since the end of the twentieth century, there has been an intensification of activities for the development of ethnic culture in the district, and often the initiative comes from the people, and it is implemented in the form of socio-cultural projects of cultural institutions, education, non-profit organizations. In connection with these features, it becomes relevant to analyze the value core of the Buryat culture, which becomes the object of socio-cultural design at the present stage. To study this issue, methods of external and included observation, content analysis of ongoing socio-cultural projects were used; scientific literature on the topic of socio-cultural design and values of Buryat culture was analyzed. The research material was social practices and projects implemented in the Aginsky Buryat district. The novelty of the research lies in the fact that the socio-cultural processes emerging in the social environment, initiated by tribal communities and social groups of peers, are studied. In the Agin Buryat district, these social groups are the subjects initiating innovative social practices aimed at actualizing and reviving the cultural core of the people. On the basis of these practices that have arisen in the popular environment, social projects of government bodies and institutions of the social sphere, culture, and education are being created and implemented. As a result of the conducted research, it was revealed that socio-cultural design at the present stage actualizes the values of the native language, the continuity of the family and tribal community, love for the native land, strengthening friendly ties with fellow countrymen and peers during the implementation of socially significant practices.

Developing the Feast for the Future Program through a Community Visioning Process

Abstract: Background: Three tribal communities in the Southwestern United States have a long-standing partnership with the Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health (JHCIH). Objectives: In response to community concerns about obesity, three tribal communities and Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health partnered to develop culturally relevant plans for a new program. Methods: Using a "community visioning" process, a community advisory board (CAB) from each community identified opportunities, challenges, goals, and visions for their communities. The CABs consulted with experts in pediatrics, nutrition, food distribution, agricultural restoration, and community and school gardening. Results: The CABs developed seven components for Feast for the Future: 1) Edible School Gardens; 2) Traditional Food-ways Education Program; 3) Community Gardens, Orchards, and Greenhouses; 4) Farmers Markets; 5) Farmers Workshops; 6) Family Gardens; and 7) a Mobile Grocery Store. Conclusions: A community-based participatory action research (CBPAR) process was critical to developing a culturally appropriate program that built on community strengths.

Power and good music: The Indigenous southern plains flute tradition

In traditional Indigenous southern plains culture, a young man could not talk to a young woman alone when they were not yet married. Instead, he would play his flute at the edge of the encampment in the evenings, and each young man had his own love song. In southern plains flute origin stories, power is attributed to good music. If a flute song achieves its intended goal of convincing the young woman to marry the flute player, one can assume the song would be considered “good.” But what criteria distinguish good from bad? Which elements typify a “good” flute song? What about the flute itself? Which features epitomize the quintessential flute? Another set of possible criteria in determining that quality is information about the flute player. In her chapter, “Culture and Aesthetics,” ethnomusicologist Marica Herndon (1980) observes the community-centered perspective of Indigenous North America. Our last set of criteria involves an assessment of the moral character of the flute player regarding service to their tribal community. This talk discusses the “good music” of two master Indigenous southern plains flute players—Belo Cozad (1864-1950) (Kiowa) and Doc Tate Nevaquaya (1932-1996) (Comanche).

Effect of positive psychology intervention on stress among tribal adolescents in Jawadhu Hills, India

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of a positive psychology intervention on the stress levels of tribal adolescents living in the Jawadhu Hills area of India. Tribal communities often have distinct socio-economic and cultural barriers that lead to increased stress levels among adolescents. To address this issue, a positive psychology intervention was implemented that included the use of approaches designed to enhance emotional well-being and resilience. The research used an experimental pre-post control group design and a purposive sampling strategy to assess changes in stress levels using standardized stress measurement instruments. Results showed that the positive psychology intervention dramatically reduced stress levels among tribal youth in the experimental group compared to the control group, from 22.53 to 14.27. Several implications have been raised in light of these findings. First, it is important to emphasize the urgent need for increased awareness of mental health issues among tribal youth. In addition, the use of skilled professional counselors for adolescents significantly alleviates their emotional concerns. It is also essential to tailor interventions to the cultural milieu of the tribal community, taking into account their own needs, values, and traditions. In addition, it is important that local governments, NGOs, and educational institutions work together to implement and sustain positive psychology interventions in tribal schools. Therefore, this research contributes significantly to the understanding of how positive psychology interventions can successfully reduce stress among marginalized tribal youth.

Examining online education at tribal community colleges

AbstractFor students at tribal colleges, online courses provide access to college coursework, particularly for non‐traditional students and students who live in rural communities. In addition, online courses provide unique opportunities for Indigenous students to connect with their tribal communities and to participate in cultural revitalization and language acquisition efforts being led by tribal colleges, regardless of their proximity to a tribal college. This article analyzes descriptive data of two‐year tribal colleges that provide a snapshot of their presence and spending to support online education. We offer policy recommendations to support greater online education opportunities for Indigenous students and to expand Indigenous cultural revitalization and language acquisition through online courses.

Ethnomedicinal uses of medicinal plants for the treatment of skin diseases by the tribal communities of Keonjhar district of Odisha, India

Ethnomedicinal uses of medicinal plants for the treatment of skin diseases by the tribal communities of Keonjhar district of Odisha, India

Legal Issues of Ganti Tikar Marriage in Bugis Wajo Custom in East Tanjung Jabung Regency

Tanjung Jabung Regency, the author's research area, has various tribes: Bugis, Banjar, Batak, Java, and Padang. The Bugis tribe is further divided into Bugis Wajo, Bone and Pinrang tribes. Because their customs also have differences, the author only focuses on the Bugis Wajo tribe community because the Bugis Wajo tribe has traditions or customs that are still thick about marriage. The study focuses on the legal issues of ganti tikar marriage in Bugis Wajo customs in East Tanjung Jabung Regency. The research method used is empirical legal research with a socio-legal approach. The result of this study is that the marriage of ganti tikar by Bugis Wajo in East Tanjung Jabung Regency is permissible and valid as long as the terms and conditions of marriage are fulfilled. At the same time, in positive law, it is a traditional marriage that can be carried out as long as it does not conflict with applicable regulations.

Burden of Tuberculosis among tribal populations of India: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Tuberculosis (TB) continues to impose a significant burden on tribal populations in India, a high-risk group for the disease. Despite its preventable and curable nature, TB remains a formidable health challenge for these communities. However, a critical knowledge gap exists regarding the population-based prevalence of TB among tribal populations in India. The current systematic review and meta-analysis were carried out to provide a single, population-based estimate. A comprehensive search was conducted on PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases using the keywords 'tuberculosis', 'TB', and 'tribal' or 'tribes'. This search encompassed articles published between 1 January 2000 and 1 March 2023. The included articles underwent a quality assessment screening to ensure their reliability and relevance. Subsequently, a pooled estimate of TB prevalence among tribal populations was quantified using a random-effects model. To investigate potential sources of heterogeneity in the prevalence estimates, subgroup analyses were performed. We identified 14 studies that encompassed a substantial population of 267,377 individuals from various regions in India belonging to tribal communities. The application of a random-effects model yielded a pooled prevalence estimate of 894.4 per 100,000 population, with a 95% confidence interval ranging from 523.5 to 1361.9. The assessment of heterogeneity using the Cochrane Q test indicated significant variability among the included studies (I2 = 99.17%; P < 0.001). Notably, the prevalence of TB among tribal populations was found to be higher than the national prevalence. The scientific evidence available for the prevalence of TB among tribal populations is restricted to a few tribes only. Conducting further research to estimate the prevalence among other tribes all over the country is the need of the hour and should be addressed accordingly.

Reach, Acceptability, and Sustainability of the Native Changing High-Risk Alcohol Use and Increasing Contraception Effectiveness Study (CHOICES) Intervention: A Qualitative Evaluation of an Alcohol-Exposed Pregnancy Prevention Program.

American Indian (AI) women are at risk of alcohol-exposed pregnancy (AEP) due to the higher prevalence of alcohol use disorders (AUDs) and risky drinking. The Native Changing High-Risk Alcohol Use and Increasing Contraception Effectiveness Study (Native CHOICES) was implemented in partnership with a Northern Plains Tribal community to address the effectiveness of a brief, motivational interviewing-based intervention to reduce AEP risk among adult AI women. A subgroup of the participants shared their perspectives in a qualitative interview conducted following the completion of the six-month post-baseline data collection. These interviews solicited participant perspectives on the Native CHOICES intervention and its satisfaction, reach, acceptability, and sustainability. The participants were delighted with Native CHOICES, felt the intervention helped them learn about AEP prevention and goal setting, learned valuable lessons, and believed Native CHOICES would be well-received by other women in their community and should be continued. The participants also shared how the COVID-19 pandemic affected their choices about drinking and birth control. The findings showed the receptivity to and acceptance of Native CHOICES among AI women. The interview findings offered a glimpse into the effectiveness of Native CHOICES and how it contributed to participants making healthier choices surrounding drinking and sexual health.

Traditional Healthcare Practices Among The Tribals Of Katkona Village Of Korea District, Chhattisgarh

The following communication presents original insights obtained regarding 40 plant species utilized by the tribal community of Katkona village, Chhattisgarh, for addressing a spectrum of health ailments. These traditional medicines have been cultivated over generations, reflecting the indigenous knowledge and experience of the local populace. Through personal interviews and collection endeavors, substantial data on the medicinal properties of select flora, alongside their scientific classifications, botanical families, vernacular nomenclature, acquisition methods, and geographical habitats, have been meticulously documented. This comprehensive compilation delineates the therapeutic applications of these plants in mitigating diverse health conditions prevalent among the tribal inhabitants of Katkona village.

Seroepidemological investigation of Toxoplasma gondii and Trichinella spp. in pigs reared by tribal communities and small-holder livestock farmers in Northeastern India.

Toxoplasma gondii and Trichinella spp. are critical tissue-dwelling foodborne zoonotic parasites associated with pork consumption and pig rearing. Despite being a major pig-rearing region in the country, Northeastern India has not undergone any investigation regarding the presence of T. gondii and Trichinella spp. in pigs. Therefore, this study aims to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii and Trichinella spp. and identify associated risk factors in pigs reared by tribal communities and small-holder livestock farmers in the northeastern region of India. In a cross-sectional serological survey, 400 pigs from 400 households across five northeastern states of India underwent testing for the seroprevalence of porcine toxoplasmosis and trichinellosis. Serum samples (80 from each state) were analyzed using commercially available ELISA assays. Data on backyard farm characteristics and various management aspects were collected, and risk factors linked with prevalence were analyzed through univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. The findings revealed that the apparent and true prevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies were 45% (40.12-49.88, 95% CI) and 45.7% (40.7-50.69, 95% CI), respectively. As for anti- Trichinella antibodies, both the apparent and true prevalence were 0.75% (-0.1-1.6, 95% CI). The univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that age above 24 months (OR 7.20, 95% CI 2.45-23.71), exposure to cats (OR = 5.87, 95% CI 2.55-14.05), and farms operating for breeding purposes (OR = 5.60, 95% CI 3.01-11.04) were significant risk factors associated with the seroprevalence of T. gondii. This study marks the initial documentation of the seroprevalence of T. gondii and Trichinella spp. in pigs reared by tribal communities in Northeastern India. The results emphasize the significance of these parasites as foodborne zoonotic threats in the region, potentially posing substantial public health risks, especially within tribal and rural communities. The insights derived from this research could be valuable in formulating targeted preventive and control strategies against T. gondii and Trichinella spp. in pigs, not only in this region but also in areas with similar rearing practices.