Analysing The Reproductive Health Status of Santhal Tribal Women in India: A Field Based Study in Kharibari, Community Development Block of District Darjeeling

Abstract

The reproductive health status of Santhal tribal women in India not only presents socioeconomic inequities but also addresses substantial obstacles towards healthcare accessibility. Members of one of India's largest indigenous populations, Santhal Tribal women, live primarily in rural and economically deprived areas. These limitations significantly limit their access to appropriate healthcare services, resulting in poor reproductive health outcomes. Maternal health for Santhal women is a major concern, with high rates of maternal mortality and morbidity. Insufficient nutrition, limited access towards prenatal and postnatal care and lack of knowledge about reproductive health rights and services all play a role. Traditional beliefs and cultural practices restrict their access to modern healthcare facilities and contraception options which frequently results in unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions. The objective of the study is to analyse the quality of reproductive health care utilization among Santhal women during prenatal and postnatal pregnancy. The study will further investigate the socioeconomic and psychological status of Santhal women of reproductive age which is greatly influenced by their prevailing culture and value system as against their desired goals, expectation and standard in the select block of Kharibari Community Block Development of Darjeeling District. The present study examines the reproductive health care of women belonging to the Santhal tribal communities in the Kharibari Community Block Development of Darjeeling District. The findings also highlight the Santhal women's quality of life in these areas, emphasising the need for more effective mechanisms to strengthen tribal women's reproductive rights and provide the best possible maternal health care without jeopardising their community-based guidelines.