Maternal and child health care: beliefs and practices of the Thakurs
Tribhuwan, R.D.
Journal of Education and Social Change 7(1): 61-72
1993
Document Number: 452160
This paper examines how traditional beliefs and practices influence the health of mothers and children in the tribal community of the Thakurs of the Raidad district of Maharashtra, India. The aims and objectives of the research were to study the food habits of the Thakur, especially mothers and children; to highlight various diseases prevalent among mothers and children; to explore various rituals and ceremonies associated with menstruation, pregnancy and childbirth; and to assess the social status of a barren woman. It is suggested that it is necessary to document cultural behaviour in order to point out the lacunae that exist between traditional and modern health care systems, and thereby raise the socio-cultural barriers that hinder MCH health care and education programmes.