TRADITIONAL BELIEFS AND HEALTH STATUS OF BIRHOR

As one of India’s Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), the Birhor tribe is confronted by significant difficulties in health and nutrition yet government health facilities are available. This study focuses on Birhor, who actively participate in both household and economic activities from which they derive nutritional and health outcomes; despite which, they suffer poor health outcomes, largely due to socio-economic and cultural constraints. Malaria, gastroenteritis, typhoid, skin diseases and widespread malnutrition are some issues highlighted, plus competitors' poverty and starchy, nutrient deficient diets. The study finds Birhor children, 70% of whom are underweight, with high rates of anemia and infant mortality that require improved healthcare access and education. The descriptive research design comprised interviews with 91 respondents sampled by Krejcie and Morgan’s method combined with case studies and consultations with local leaders, educators, and healthcare professionals in Jashpur and Raigarh Districts of Chhattisgarh. The findings show that the tribe has depends on faith healers and poor sanitation to plague, says Mwangangi. It proposes targeted interventions comprising combinations of health care, and development yet improvement both living standard and health of the Birhor, particularly women and children.