Indigenious health practices among tribes in india
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Explanation:
There were 67.76 million persons belonging to scheduled tribes in about 74 distinct groups in India in 1991, or 7.95% of total population, usually living in remote and ecologically diverse climates and areas. Modern medicine has not been accepted in most tribal areas, where magico-religious health care systems prevail. Health conditions in tribal areas have been described as deficient in sanitary conditions, personal hygiene, and health education. Common diseases are sexually transmitted ones and genetic abnormalities such as sickle cell anemia and Glucose-6 Phosphate Enzyme Deficiency (G-6-PD). Disease incidence for sickle cell anemia has been estimated at more than 19% among 35 tribal population groups. 5 million are estimated to be carriers. G-6-PD shows a genetically carried deficiency in a blood enzyme; persons commonly reject antimalarials, antibiotics, and analgesics. The population estimated to have the deficiency is about 13 million, primarily residing in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Orissa, and Assam states (15%). The incidence is high in malaria zones. Screening kits are needed by health workers, so that identified people can be tattooed and high risk families counseled accordingly. The Onges, Jarawas, and Shompens of Andaman and Nicobar Islands are facing extinction due to endemic diseases, venereal diseases, and a shortage of women. Health workers need information on the folklore related to health of these and other tribal groups, in order to provide appropriate health and sanitary practices and to document indigenous herbs for medical use. Malnutrition is pervasive among tribals. Deficiencies have been detected in gross amounts of calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C, riboflavin, and animal protein. Southern tribes are known for their caloric and protein deficiencies. Those in rice-eating belts tend to have had higher protein intake. The workload of tribal women is heavy, long, and increasing. Maternal mortality is due to unhygienic conditions and inappropriate tribal practices. Interventions must focus on tribal culture, medical training of indigenous people, a health care delivery system catering to the community needs, and more research.