فهرست نشریات علمی دسترسی آزاد ایران

BACKGROUND: The tribals are considered as an underprivileged community who are dissociatedfrom the health‑care system. They are known to adhere to old, ancient methods of managing illness.This study was undertaken to understand the issues and challenges in the tribal areas in seekinghealthcare.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross‑sectional study was conducted during the year 2017 in anongovernmental organization‑based health center located in a tribal area of rural Maharashtra,India. A total of 383 participants were interviewed using a semi‑structured questionnaire aboutthe health‑seeking behavior and utilization of health services in the study center as well as nearbygovernment facilities. Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the management ofdiseases at the study center were also identified.RESULTS: In the event of an acute illness, 40% preferred government hospital, 40% private, 16%of study center, and 4% sought treatment from traditional healers. On comparison with nearbygovernment facilities, the study center was located far away, travel time and fare to reach was moreand was preferred by all over government facilities. The difference in user perspective about bothfacilities was statistically significant (P < 0.00001). All of them trusted the staff and the servicesprovided at the study center completely. Around 97% thought the services were made accordingto their convenience. About 59% spent on drugs and logistics after visiting the nearest governmentfacility, whereas only 10.8% admitted to having spent on drugs and logistics after visiting the studycenter.CONCLUSIONS: Faith‑oriented health‑care seeking behavior seems to dominate the health scenario.It is influenced by realistic factors such as accessibility, affordability, and acceptability.