IMPACT OF SOCIO-RELIGIOUS BELIEVES AND TABOO PRACTICES ON HEALTH STATUS AMONG THE BAIGAS

Abstract

Each society is characterized by its own belief system that takes roots from its cultural identity. This belief system affects all factors of human life including health. Tribals are no exception to it. The tribal societies of India have their distinctive sets of taboo and socio-cultural practices regarding health culture. This papers deals the socio-religious believe and taboo related aspects among the Baigas. The present investigation is based on interviews of 400 Baiga household from live different blocks of Mandla district. It lies between the latitude 220.2’ and 230.22’ north and longitude 800.18’ and 810.50’ east. The blocks and villages were selected randomly as per the concentration of blocks. In this regard 80 samples were selected randomly from the five villages of each block and approximately 16 samples were selected randomly from each village. The data were collected from the households of the Baigas. The present study has been conducted through interview schedule. Simultaneously, group discussions and informal interview methods has been used. Observations have been conducted through semi-participants methods. Baigas are highly needed to be aware. To make them aware, efforts should be made combine government and nongovernment organizations, because socio-religious and taboo practices play an important role to determine the health status.