Tribal women navigate maternal health transition amid challenges

Rohit Goja
Srinagar July 21: In Kashmir valley, Bakerwal tribal women are experiencing a transitional phase in maternal health shaped by socio-economic and cultural challenges, reveals a study.

The study was conducted among the Bakerwal community in Check Village, Anantnag to explore maternal health experiences.
“Given the community’s low literacy levels, restricted healthcare access, and limited social mobility, data were collected from 20 tribal women who had recently given birth,” it reads.
The study was conducted with in-depth interviews with 12 Bakerwal women and five healthcare professionals specializing in maternal care.
According to the research, “Bakerwal tribal women in Kashmir are experiencing a transitional phase in maternal health, shaped by socio-economic and cultural challenges.”
“Poverty restricts their ability to afford nutritious food, exacerbating malnutrition and related health risks. Limited awareness and deeply rooted cultural norms further hinder the integration of pregnancy into their daily lives,” it reads.
It also states that the financial constraints not only reinforce stereotypes but also contribute to infrequent hospital visits, limiting access to essential maternal healthcare. “Despite their heightened vulnerability to health risks, significant barriers, including geographical isolation, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and cultural apprehensions, continue to obstruct their access to timely medical treatment.”
“Economic constraints, lack of awareness, and the marginalization of pregnancy within their lifestyle contribute to malnutrition, infrequent hospital visits, and heightened health risks. Caught between tradition and modernity, their maternal health remains vulnerable to systemic disparities,” it reads.
It also states that in order to address the issues requires culturally sensitive interventions, improved healthcare infrastructure, and targeted awareness programs to bridge existing gaps and ensure equitable maternal care.
“While highlighting various maternal health issues that Bakerwal tribal women of Kashmir endure, the study also illustrates how access to critical maternity care is hampered by the intersection of poverty, cultural norms, geographic remoteness, and a lack of adequate healthcare infrastructure,” the study reads,
It underscores the need for culturally relevant interventions, focused awareness campaigns, and better medical facilities by examining the lived experiences of tribal women and healthcare professionals.