Maternal Healthcare Utilisation During and After Pregnancy: A Village Level Study of Paniya Tribal Women

Abstract

The state of Kerala stands unique for its impressive outcomes in human development compared with the rest of the states in India.  While, Kerala’s health outcome is analogous to that of the developed countries of the West, the barometer of state’s health sector does not go well with the health status of tribal communities.   This paper addresses the healthcare utilisation of pregnant and post-pregnant women of the Paniya community, which is the largest group among the scheduled tribal population in Kerala.  Based on the primary survey conducted among them, the study unravels the poor health conditions of their young mothers even though they live near the mainstream society in Wayanad district.  Extreme poverty hinders their ability to consume nutritious food and adopt healthy practices during and after pregnancy.  Maternal anemia followed by low weight poses risks to child birth and the survival of the child and mother.  The aversion to avail treatment and incapacity to travel refrain them from consulting gynaecologist in regular intervals. The intervention of tribal health promoters and ASHA workers has been notable in improving the health and welfare of tribal women.  The health workers insist them to visit the district hospital, however, geographical constraints and lack of awareness make them hesitant to seek treatment regularly.