Reproductive Health Profile of Rural and SIDDI Tribal Mothers
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Date
2017-07
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University of Agricultural Science, Dharwad
Abstract
Reproductive health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity, in all matters relating to the reproductive system, and to its functions and process. This study concentrated on reproductive health profile of rural and Siddi tribal mothers. Tribes are the group of people living in low level of social and economic development as compared to other people. Research conducted during 2017 on 120 (60 rural and 60 Siddi tribal) mothers in the age group 18-49 years. The six villages were selected based on the density of the Siddi tribal families from Uttar Kannada and Dharwad districts of Karnataka state. Data was collected by using structured interview schedule and information regarding demographic, socio-economic, menstrual and reproductive health was elicited. Nutritional status of the mothers was measured through anthropometric measurements and health status was assessed by PGI- health questionnaire. Correlation design was used to know the relationship between nutritional status, health status, reproductive health and demographic variables and marital variables. Results revealed that 40 per cent of mothers were having ideal body weight but 16 % of rural mothers found to be underweight. Hence rural mothers were reported more health problems than Siddi tribal mothers. It was found that 47-77 per cent of rural and Siddi tribal mothers acquired high knowledge on menstrual hygiene respectively. Tribal mothers showed significantly lower reproductive health index, with lower knowledge on reproductive health. Although the nutritional and health status of Siddi tribal mothers found better than rural mothers in spite of low knowledge on reproductive health. Their good health status may be contributed due to genetic components, food habits and various cultural practices. Reproductive health education should be spread among tribal population which helps them to seek early treatment and increases their quality of life.