Social
Assessment Study for Karnataka Health Systems Development
Project
Page
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Findings of the Social Assessment Survey
From the study findings it is evident that the health status
of the vulnerable communities is poor and the existing health
care delivery system is inadequate to meet their requirements.
Poverty, illiteracy and ignorance, malnutrition, inadequacy
of potable water, lack of personal hygiene, poor sanitation,
and inadequate Hospital coverage and poor
quality of Health care services are the
major reasons for unsatisfactory health status of these
communities.
The
common health problems perceived by the community are malaria,
tuberculosis and respiratory disorders. The problems like
snakebites, dog bites and scorpion bites were also found
to be common in rural areas. It was reported that children
mostly suffer from acute respiratory infections (ARI), diarrhea
and fever. Many respondents were aware that their health
problems are due to poor availability of safe drinking water
and poor sanitary conditions.
Women
in these communities commonly suffer from reproductive tract
infections (RTIs) and backache. The deliveries are mostly
conducted at homes. Their status is low in these societies.
They are economically dependent and have poor decision-making
authority. When they fall sick, their spouse and family
do not consider it necessary to get them treated because
of gender bias. Also, the women need some companion to accompany
them to the Hospital, which is again a constraint in availing
the Health care services.
Adolescents
in these communities have a low level of awareness on sexual
and reproductive health. As a result, they are vulnerable
to unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections
(STIs). They get married early and have early pregnancies
for which there are a number of social, cultural and economic
reasons.
A
barrier for the utilization of government facilities was
reported to be poor accessibility due to lack of public
transport system, especially during night. The women, children
and emergency cases face problem in accessing these facilities.
The tribal settlements are small and isolated and are difficult
to reach by service providers. Many tribes live in small
hamlets.
