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Health Culture An Emic Perspective

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Health Culture An Emic Perspective

Author/Editor :	Paramananda Naik
Pages :	116
Specialty :	Anthropology
Book Type :	Academic & Professional

This study explores the bio-cultural discourse grounded in ethno-ecological beliefs and practices, particularly in relation to various dimensions of health care behaviour among the Desia Kandha population of Odisha. It aims to examine the patterns of health care and ethno-religious practices prevalent within the Desia Kandha community, focusing specifically on the Gumma Gram Panchayat area in the Rayagada block of Rayagada district, Odisha, India.

Health is a fundamental value in human life, encompassing both biological and cultural dimensions. It is a holistic phenomenon, wherein biology represents the physiological aspects of the human body, while culture reflects the behavioural patterns associated with health. As such, health is not merely the absence of disease but a composite state of well-being shaped by environmental, social, and cultural contexts. The bio-cultural approach emphasizes the complex relationship between health, behaviour, and culture within specific ecological settings. This perspective asserts that health-seeking behaviours are socially and culturally constructed and vary across communities. Among tribal populations such as the Desia Kandha, health behaviour is deeply embedded in their indigenous ethno-cultural systems.

Understanding such behaviour requires an integrative anthropological approach that bridges biological and cultural dimensions.

The study also addresses the availability and accessibility of health care infrastructure and programmes in the study area, examining how these interact with traditional health practices. In tribal societies, health-seeking behaviour is often influenced by traditional knowledge systems, spiritual beliefs, and community norms, making it a significant area of inquiry in public health and medical anthropology. Research on tribal health behaviour is a vital domain in anthropological scholarship, offering insights into the lived experiences and adaptive strategies of indigenous communities. Promoting health behaviour and well-being among tribal populations is essential for achieving public health equity in the 21st century. This framework contributes to a deeper understanding of health behaviour and supports the development of culturally sensitive health interventions for indigenous communities worldwide.

Foreword vii

Preface ix

Acknowledgements xi

Abstract xiii

List of Abbreviations xv

Chapter 1: Introduction 1

Context of the Study 1

Conceptual Framework of the Study 2

Concepts of Health and Health Behaviour 5

Dimensions of Health 6

Research Problem of the Study 11

Objectives of the Study 11

Limitations of the Study 11

Chapter 2: Literature Review 13

Bio-Cultural Perspectives: A Review 13

Health and Behavioural Practices: A Review 15

Chapter 3: Methodology of The Study 23

Fieldwork 23

Research Design 25

Pilot Study and Pre-Test of the Research Tool 26

Sampling and Sample Size 26

Data Processing & Report Writing 28

Chapter 4: Geo-Ethnic Profile of Kandha 30

Scenario of India: An Overview 30

Tribes in India 31

Scenario of Odisha: An Overview 33

Tribes in Odisha 34

Area: Rayagada 37

People: Kandha 42

Chapter 5: Findings & Discussion 52

Health Profile of Desia Kandha 52

Perception of Health, Illness & Diseases 54

Health Seeking Behaviour of Desia Kandha 60

Magico Religious Beliefs and Practices on Health 65

Accessibility & Utilization of Healthcare System 67

Chapter 6: Conclusion & Suggestions 81

Bibliography 85

Dr. Paramananda Naik is currently working as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Anthropology, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, since 2021. He completed his M.A., M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees from the Department of Anthropology, Utkal University, Vani Vihar, Bhubaneswar. He submitted his doctoral thesis to Utkal University under the UGC–Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship (RGNF), Government of India. He teaches postgraduate students a range of papers, including Social-Cultural Anthropology, Indian Society and Applied Anthropology, Anthropological Thought, Psychological Anthropology, Tribes in India: Problems and Development, Linguistic Anthropology, and Anthropology of Gender. His research experience spans key areas such as tribe, caste, material culture, ethnic identity, health culture, food culture, gender, livelihood, and policy studies. Dr. Naik has published 25 research articles in various journals and edited volumes, and he has authored three books: Fundamentals of Social-Cultural Anthropology, Prof. A. Aiyappan: The Pioneer of Odisha’s Anthropological Legacy and Essential MCQs for Anthropology Aspirants. He serves in multiple editorial capacities across interdisciplinary journals. He is also a life member of several national and international anthropological bodies, including IAS, INCAA, UIAF, AAH, IUAES, and the Anthropos India Foundation, reflecting his broad commitment to scholarly collaboration and the advancement of anthropology.

Subject Category : Anthropology