SOCIAL AND MEDICAL PROBLEMS AMONG THE PATHIPARA TRIBAL POPULATION OF WAYANAD, KERALA

Abstract

Introduction:Tribes are one of the autochthonous people of the country.In India 427 groups are being recognized as Scheduled Tribe (ST). They form approximately 8% of total Indian population forming 104 million according to last census in 2011. The purpose of this study is to identify the socio demographic profile of Pathipara Tribal colony, to identify the customs, social problems and health problems existing in the tribal community and to provide health awareness and education regarding personal hygiene.

Objectives: The aim is to identify various social problems existing in the tribal population of Pathipara, Nellipoyil, Wayanad district.

Material & Methods: A descriptive study was done to look for various problems. A standardised open ended pre-structured questionnaire was used for the study.

Observations: It was found that illiteracy stands out as an important issue. There is prevalence of communicable diseases like Tuberculosis among adults, Hepatitis B and Scabies among children. Conclusion:There is prevalence of malnutrion, anemia, infectious and non communicable diseases among the tribes of Pathipara and the major social problem faced by them is domestic violence under the influence of alcohol.

Keywords: Pathipara, Tribal population, Alcohol addiction, Tobacco addiction