HEALTH STATUS OF TRIBAL WOMEN IN PRAKASAM DISTRICT OF ANDHRA PRADESH: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY

Abstract

Context: The Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh has maximum number of tribal population. Highest burden on women’s health is faced by rural India particularly tribal women due to gaps in access to health care services and triple burden of diseases.

Aims: To identify the health status of tribal women, in prakasam district and  their and thereby throw a light on needs required for improving their health and wellness.

Settings and Design: study was based on primary data  conducted in tribal communities of Sugali in pullalachruvu mandal, yanadi in ulavapadu mandal  and yarukala in chirala mandals ofprakasam  district, Andhra pradesh.

Data collection and tools Primary data was collected from the 300 respondents of Tribal women (>18 Years) by interview schedule.  The Investigator directly interviews all the respondents to enquiry about their health problems in three mandals of prakasam District.

Statistical analysis used: The data were fed to computer. The results for analysis were done with the help of Microsoft excel for statistical measurement such as simple percentage, average, mean.

Results: 10.33% of respondents are aware about the cause-and-effect pneumonia.  Only 64.66% of respondents aware about the causes and effect of Asthma  16.33% of tribal women belonging Chirala Mandal, Ulavapadu Mandal and Pullalacheruvu Mandal are sensing difficult of breathing difficulties. About 13.66% of respondents were sensing frequent chest pain and 43.33% of tribal women respondent experienced regular cough.  42.66% of tribal women respondent have the aware about causes and effects of Diarrhea . 30.66% of respondents frequently experience on Frequently Looses and Watery Stools.74.33% of respondents aware about the Malaria fever. 48.66% of respondents have the knowledge on the causes and effect of Malaria fever. 42 % of respondents sensing muscular pain, 27.66% respondents sensing frequent Vomiting and feverish.