Accessibility, Availability and Utilization of Healthcare Services among Yerava Tribal Women in Kodagu District

Abstract

Women’s health is an important indicator of social development and community well-being, particularly among tribal populations who experience socio-economic marginalization and limited access to healthcare services.

Objective: To assess the accessibility, availability, and Utilisation of health care services of Yerava Tribal Women in Kodagu District.

Methodology: The research design used for the proposed study is a descriptive research design. The area selected for the study is Kodagu District. A field survey was done in the villages of Virajpet and Somwarpet taluks, a total of 390 respondents were selected as samples using the Yamane formula n=N/1+Ne2, and the required sample size was 388. The respondents in the age groups of 18-49 years and above were selected for the study. Fifteen hamlets/colonies were selected, and selections of the hamlets/colonies were chosen using a simple random method.

Results: The study focuses on health-seeking behaviour, utilisation of Primary Health Centres (PHCs), awareness of government health schemes, role of ASHA workers and ANMs, and awareness of health schemes. The study is based on primary data collected from the Yerava tribal women through field investigation and interviews. Findings reveal that although PHCs serve as the primary source of treatment for most respondents, several barriers continue to affect effective healthcare utilisation. Distance and transportation were considered barriers to accessing health services; 49.8 per cent of respondents had to travel 5–10 km. Long waiting hours, poverty, illiteracy, and lack of awareness significantly influence access to healthcare services. ASHA workers play a vital role in connecting Yerava women with healthcare services, particularly in maternal and child healthcare. However, awareness regarding health insurance and government welfare schemes remains very low among the respondents.

Conclusion: The paper concludes that strengthening rural healthcare infrastructure, improving awareness programmes, ensuring availability of medicines and medical personnel, and adopting culturally sensitive healthcare approaches are essential for improving the health status and overall well-being of Yerava tribal women.