1Associate Professor & Head, Department of Social Sciences, Tamil University, Thanjavur-613010. Email: sangeethasattanathan@gmail.com
2Research Scholar, Department of Social Sciences, Tamil University, Thanjavur-613010. Email: radha.msw.88@gmail.com
3Assistant Professor & Head, Department of Social Work, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur Campus. Email: ganeshsri19@gmail.com
4Associate Professor, Department of Social Work, Bharathidasan University, Khajamalai Campus, Tiruchirapalli-620023. Email: sivagami@bdu.ac.in
For the purpose of facilitating successful learning and growth, individuals are required to preserve their cleanliness and health. Nevertheless, a significant number of tribal women are confronted with health problems that have the potential to put their wellbeing in jeopardy. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the health condition of women in Madhukkur, which is located in the Thanjavur District, as well as their methods of accessing medical education and treatment. The societal and behavioural dimensions of their health are brought to the forefront by this study. The experiences of 92 tribal women aged 40 and older were investigated using a rigorous research strategy and a detailed questioning procedure. The participants were women of tribal descent.
The findings of the study revealed that, there are around 27.1% of women who self-medicate because they are unable to afford medical consultations or because they do not have enough time to pursue medical treatment. On the other hand, a sizeable 86.1% of women obtain their medical treatment in health care institutions that are run by the government. A little less than forty-seven percent of women who took part in eighty-three percent of government health programs reported having trouble receiving vital health information. It seems that a significant number of people are lacking in understanding about health-related issues. A third of those who participated in the survey said that cultural norms have a role in their decision to seek medical attention. 39% of those who participated in the survey responded that they would be willing to use both conventional and modern therapy approaches simultaneously, even if doing so would involve a greater financial expenditure.
There are still a considerable number of people who have difficulty trusting and understanding healthcare providers, despite the fact that there have been breakthroughs in public health programs that have made it easier to get aid. In their presence, it is very necessary to apply an increased level of vigilance. Educating Tribal women in this area about health, improving communication amongst healthcare providers, and making sure that training programs are culturally appropriate are all necessary steps to take in order to improve the health of Tribal women in this region. After doing research, it was discovered that in order to link health knowledge with practical activities, tribal women who are experiencing bad health outcomes need a strategy that is centered on community engagement.
Keywords: Health, Hygiene Practices, Tribes, Women, Behavioural Analysis, Sociocultural Dimensions.
How to cite this article: Sangeeta S, Radha C, Ganesh S, Sivagami A. Exploring Health, Hygiene, and Cultural Dynamics among Tribal Women. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(10s): 902-909; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.10s.105
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None