Etiology of Maternal Morbidities and Treatment-seeking Behaviors of Hilly Tribal Women, Andhra Pradesh, India: An Anthropological Analysis

Objective The study explores Porja tribal women’s perceptions and treatment-seeking behaviors around maternal morbidities living in hilly regions of Andhra Pradesh, India. Methods This study was an anthropological-based qualitative observational study conducted at three intervals between June 2022 and December 2022. The role of local female traditional healers and elderly female family members’ expertise in treating the illnesses was found to be highly appreciable. To document its significance, 42 In-depth interviews (IDIs with 31 pregnant women and 11 postpartum women) and two focus group discussions (FGDs) were employed in the study. The data were cross-checked with five untrained traditional birth attendants (TBA) and close female family members. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire on traditional maternal healthcare practices. Results Five themes were generated from the qualitative data which provide an in-depth understanding of the etiology of morbidities and health-seeking behavior during the maternal health period (a) illness causal beliefs, (b) diagnostic approaches, (c) therapeutic approaches, (d) preventive strategies, (e) coping behaviors (particular to postpartum women). Conclusion Culture-specified traditional beliefs still play a crucial role in shaping maternal health-seeking behaviors among hilly tribal communities. This qualitative study on tribal maternal morbidities helps to preserve beneficial customs by preventing harmful traditional practices that can help improve the maternal health status of tribal women, where there are inadequate antenatal services in poor socio-economically resource settings.