Is Malaria a Disease of the Isolated Tribe?: a Study on Social Determinants and Health Seeking Behaviour for Malaria Among Kondho Tribes in Daringbadi Block, Orissa

The study was undertaken to find out social and environmental factors influencing the causation of Malaria and the awareness of Malaria among Kondho community living in Daringbadi Block, Orissa. It tries to explore the health seeking behavior of Kondho community after one is infected with Malaria. The influence of socio-cultural practice in the area is also examined in the process of study. The study is quantitative in nature; design of the study was based on descriptive research design. Primary and Secondary data have been collected for the purpose of the study. Primary data consists of face to face interviews, informal interactions and observations. Secondary data was obtained through literature reviews and government reports. Interview schedule with a set of structured questions was designed to collect information from the respondent who was recently diagnosed with malaria positive. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the health practitioners. Data was analyzed by creating frequency table and cross tabulation. The study provides an insight into the existing practices and paved way for strengthening the same.