Objectives <p>Qualitative research was undertaken to determine the perceptions and treatment-seeking behaviors of the Irula tribal populations in Tamil Nadu, India, and to explore the depth, diversity, and complexity of viral hepatitis.</p> Methods <p>An in-depth interview (IDI) was conducted among the eligible respondents. A purposive sampling technique was used to obtain the study subjects. The IDI was conducted among the community leader, male and female participants, and other representatives, e.g., ward members (Panchayat). We gathered data regarding the perceptions of viral hepatitis and behavioral intentions. Thematic analysis was used to generate the results of the qualitative research.</p> Results <p>Four themes emerged from the codes of the current qualitative study: (1) the general perception, transmission, and treatment of viral hepatitis; (2) stigma and discrimination; (3) health-seeking behavior towards viral hepatitis; and (4) morbidity patterns were significant themes. Most of the nomadic tribes hold incorrect perceptions regarding viral hepatitis and liver cancer risk, and women were reported to have a higher perceived risk than men.</p> Conclusion <p>The participants displayed high hope and confidence, which motivated them to participate actively in viral hepatitis prevention activities. Programs and policies geared towards enhancing viral hepatitis prevention in this sub-population may consider sociocultural factors observed to influence prevention behaviors.</p>

错误:搜索内容不能为空,请输入英文关键词
错误:关键词超出字数限制,请精简
高级检索

Exploring Perceptions and Treatment-Seeking Behaviors for Viral Hepatitis Among the Ethnic Irula Tribe in Tamil Nadu, India: A Qualitative Study on Health Disparities

  • Alex Joseph,
  • Dhasarathi Kumar,
  • Margret Beaula Alocious Sukumar,
  • Harpreet Kaur,
  • Roshni Mary Peter

摘要

Objectives

Qualitative research was undertaken to determine the perceptions and treatment-seeking behaviors of the Irula tribal populations in Tamil Nadu, India, and to explore the depth, diversity, and complexity of viral hepatitis.

Methods

An in-depth interview (IDI) was conducted among the eligible respondents. A purposive sampling technique was used to obtain the study subjects. The IDI was conducted among the community leader, male and female participants, and other representatives, e.g., ward members (Panchayat). We gathered data regarding the perceptions of viral hepatitis and behavioral intentions. Thematic analysis was used to generate the results of the qualitative research.

Results

Four themes emerged from the codes of the current qualitative study: (1) the general perception, transmission, and treatment of viral hepatitis; (2) stigma and discrimination; (3) health-seeking behavior towards viral hepatitis; and (4) morbidity patterns were significant themes. Most of the nomadic tribes hold incorrect perceptions regarding viral hepatitis and liver cancer risk, and women were reported to have a higher perceived risk than men.

Conclusion

The participants displayed high hope and confidence, which motivated them to participate actively in viral hepatitis prevention activities. Programs and policies geared towards enhancing viral hepatitis prevention in this sub-population may consider sociocultural factors observed to influence prevention behaviors.