Reproductive health status of tribal women: an intergenerational study

Abstract

This thesis explores the intergenerational changes in reproductive health status of tribal women from an intersectional perspective. This feminist qualitative study is based on the tribal communities residing in Attappady tribal block, which has a high rate of maternal and child health complications, a contradictory tale with regards to Kerala‟s development indicators. The study aims to analyse the demographic and socio-economic conditions affecting the reproductive health of tribal women and exploring the myths and misconceptions prevalent among them in this regard. It also assesses the extent of access to reproductive health services by examining the challenges faced by them. This is the first study to attempt a comparative analysis of the reproductive health of tribal women from two generations in the study area and it provides a novel way of understanding how these intergenerational changes influence the intersectional positionalities of tribal women and thus contributes to their reproductive health experiences. The study focuses exclusively on dyads consisting of mothers of children under five along with their grandmothers. Forty-five dyads (a total of 90 participants) were selected using purposive sampling and in-depth, face to face interviews were used to collect data. Case studies were also used to substantiate the data. Ethical considerations and pandemic protocols were strictly followed during the fieldwork. The interviews were conducted in regional language after which they were transcribed and translated into English. The collected data was subjected to qualitative analysis. The research found that the intergenerational changes have positively and negatively impacted the reproductive health status of tribal women in Attappady. Despite the progress in demographic, socio-economic and reproductive health services, maternal and child health complications are still prevalent in the study area. The lack of secure livelihood opportunities, food and nutritional insecurity, myths and misconceptions about sexual and reproductive health, lack of engagement of men, gaps in health system delivery are the major reasons behind this trend. Young women are more assertive in demanding their rights compared to their elder generations. Nevertheless, the intersections such as gender, caste, age, education, employment, access to resources and culture interact with each other resulting in multiple inequalities and consequently limiting the potential of reproductive health rights of tribal women.