Abstract Panel


Authors Information
SequenceTypeName TitleFirst NameLast NameDepartmentInstitute / Affiliation
1 Author Ms. Sunidhi Oraon Anthropology Department of Anthropology,University of North Bengal
Abstract Information
TrackID
:
IUAES23_ABS_D1889
Abstract Theme
:
PT158 - Health Management systems
Abstract Title
:
MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTHCARE PRACTICES AMONG THE ORAON OF JALPAIGURI DISTRICT,WEST BENGAL, INDIA: A STUDY EXPLORING THE CONTINUITY AND CHANGES
Short Abstract
:
In developing countries like India, Maternal and child health has always been a matter of concern, specially among the tribal population. Findings from a number of studies reveals that the tribal women tend to be at a greater risk to adverse maternal and child health outcomes. Utilization of maternal and child health care services still remains in shadow in most of tribal areas due to various determinants both at individual and community level.
Long Abstract
:

Embracing motherhood not only means the training up of a child, it signifies the greater commitment towards the accomplishment of bright future of a child and as well as the future development of the country in a larger context. The future of any nation depends upon the sound development of the children and the road towards the nation’s prosperity lies along with it. As the children are considered to be the pillar of Nation’s future and development, Maternal and Child healthcare emerged as an important area of research. This article attempts to explore the concept of Maternal and Child healthcare practices through the anthropological lens. The present study is carried out in the Jalpaiguri District of West Bengal state in India among the Oraon community with an aim to provide a clear representation of the present scenario. The objective of the present study is to examine the present status of the Maternal and child healthcare system by exploring the role and significance of the traditional healthcare practices along with modern healthcare services. This study also investigates the maternal health care practices to evaluate the continuity and changes occurring in the traditional healthcare system under the influence of different socio-cultural factors. Findings of the study reveal the growing interests towards the modern healthcare facilities along with the parallel presence of age-old traditional practices. The choice of ante-natal care providers and choice of delivery place are considered as two important health inputs to portray the perspectives of the community people. Socio-cultural and religious belief of the community people are found to be associated with maternal and child healthcare practices.

Abstract Keywords
:
Maternal health, Traditional healthcare, Tribal-belief