Exploring self-reliance in primary healthcare from peoples’ perspectives among families using traditional medicine: A case study from southern India

Introduction: Self-reliance consists of using available resources, making informed decisions, and responsible health and lifestyle practices. The complex nature of healthcare practices by the people necessitates the quest for understanding self-reliance in primary healthcare. In LMICs, around 70% in India and approximately 80% in sub-Saharan African countries use traditional medicine for primary healthcare. Because of its emphasis on local resources, context, culture, and other determinants, traditional medicine potentially enables self-reliance in primary healthcare. The study explored the meaning of self-reliance in primary healthcare from peoples’ perspective among families using traditional medicine in a Southern Indian site. Methodology: We conducted case study research in HD Kote, a taluka in Mysore district of Karnataka in Southern India, from September 2021 to April 2022. We selected 30 study participants using purposive sampling and the data was collected through in-depth interviews. Data was subjected to thematic analysis using QDA Miner lite 2.01 version software. Results: The study identified following themes: 1) perception of health and illness, 2) healthcare pathways, 3) negotiation between the environment and self in the emergence of self-reliance, and 4) efficiency and authenticity as a means to choose healthcare approach. Pathways to healthcare decisions were influenced by various cultural, social, religious, health system, and individual level factors. Self-reliance emerges from an individual through negotiation between the self, the environment, and the social context in which they live. Conclusion: The meaning of self-reliance was navigated within healthcare practices, choices, and the context in which an individual lived. Capturing people’s perspectives and local views addresses the gap in scientific understanding by situating these perspectives within the broader context of the health system, particularly in relation to self-reliance and the role of individuals. Understanding self-reliance through studies of this kind is critical to contributing to a people-centered health system for India to achieve the goal of universal health coverage.