Prabhune Akash G, Dadha Priyanka
Health and Information Technology, ADMIRE Centre for Advancing Digital Health, Institute of Health Management Research-Bangalore (IIHMR-B), Bengaluru, IND.
Nutrition, Institute for Public Health and Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA.
Cureus. 2025 Mar 16;17(3):e80689. doi: 10.7759/cureus.80689. eCollection 2025 Mar.
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major health challenge in India, with a significant burden among tribal populations. These communities experience disproportionately high TB prevalence due to factors such as geographical isolation, socio-economic challenges, and cultural practices, further worsened by malnutrition, overcrowded living conditions, and limited awareness. Despite efforts under national programs aimed at eliminating TB, various socio-cultural and logistical barriers continue to impede progress in tribal regions. This discussion underscores the need for culturally sensitive healthcare approaches to effectively address these challenges. A structured framework focusing on cultural awareness, knowledge, sensitivity, and competence is recommended to develop tailored interventions. Key strategies include training healthcare workers to understand tribal customs, creating accessible educational materials, involving tribal leaders in stigma-reduction efforts, and integrating traditional practices with modern healthcare systems. To achieve impactful outcomes, it is essential to enhance healthcare infrastructure, implement customized awareness campaigns, address underlying socio-economic issues, and leverage technology for better outreach and adherence. Real-world examples from tribal regions illustrate both advancements and ongoing gaps in TB care. A collaborative effort among various stakeholders is crucial to bridge healthcare disparities and empower tribal communities in the fight against TB, ultimately contributing to the national goal of its elimination while improving the overall well-being of these populations.
结核病在印度仍然是一项重大的健康挑战,在部落人口中负担沉重。由于地理隔离、社会经济挑战和文化习俗等因素,这些社区的结核病患病率高得不成比例,营养不良、居住条件拥挤和意识有限进一步加剧了这种情况。尽管国家开展了旨在消除结核病的项目,但各种社会文化和后勤障碍继续阻碍部落地区的进展。本次讨论强调了需要采用对文化敏感的医疗保健方法来有效应对这些挑战。建议建立一个侧重于文化意识、知识、敏感性和能力的结构化框架,以制定量身定制的干预措施。关键策略包括培训医护人员了解部落习俗、制作易于获取的教育材料、让部落领袖参与减少耻辱感的工作,以及将传统做法与现代医疗系统相结合。为了取得有影响力的成果,必须加强医疗基础设施、开展定制的提高认识运动、解决潜在的社会经济问题,并利用技术进行更好的宣传和提高依从性。部落地区的实际例子说明了结核病护理方面的进展和持续存在的差距。各利益攸关方之间的合作努力对于弥合医疗保健差距和增强部落社区抗击结核病的能力至关重要,最终有助于实现消除结核病的国家目标,同时改善这些人群的整体福祉。