ArticleBMC public health2025
A systematic scoping review of health-seeking behavior and healthcare utilization in tribal communities of odisha, india: concentration on maternal and child health.
Article in BMC public health, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 6 papers.
What it found
Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.
The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
6 citing papers in PubMed.
- Exploring Health-Seeking Behavior Among Women Diagnosed With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Qualitative Study.Cureus · 2026Article
- Determinants of health-seeking behavior of people on institutional delivery: evidence from qualitative research.BMC pregnancy and childbirth · 2026Article
- Socio economic vulnerability and forgone health care among tribal population: a cross-sectional study from a block of Nagpur district in central India.BMC public health · 2026Article
- Disparities in oral cancer screening among Indian women aged 30-49: insights from a national survey.Ecancermedicalscience · 2026Article
- Zoonotic disease risk perceptions and practices related to livestock production and consumption: a qualitative study among animal rearers and veterinary care providers in Northeast India.BMJ public health · 2026Article
- Voices, Choices, and Access: A Narrative Review of Reproductive Health Awareness and Strategic Schemes in India and Beyond.Health services insights · 2026Review
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
8 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundMaternal and child health among tribal populations in Odisha, India, is significantly influenced by socio-economic, cultural, and infrastructural factors. Cultural practices, reliance on traditional medicine, and limited awareness of modern healthcare benefits shape health-seeking behavior. This scoping review synthesises evidence on health-seeking behaviour, healthcare utilisation, awareness of healthcare services, government policies, and barriers in tribal communities in Odisha, India.
methodsThis scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines. We followed the Arksey and O'Malley methodological framework and applied the PAGER framework (Patterns, Advances, Gaps, Evidence for Practice, Research Recommendations) for quality of reporting. Studies were identified through systematic searches of international and Indian databases, Indian journal websites, organisational websites, repositories, and registries, focusing on health-seeking behaviour and healthcare utilisation among Odisha's tribal communities. Only English-language articles published between January 2011 and July 2024 were included. The methodological quality of the selected studies was independently assessed by two reviewers using the JBI Quality Assessment Checklist.
resultsA total of 39 studies, encompassing 36,613 participants, were included in the review. The findings highlight significant barriers to healthcare access among tribal communities, including poverty, illiteracy, cultural practices, geographic isolation, distance to healthcare centres, transportation availability and mistrust of government services. While some tribes have shown progress in adopting modern healthcare services, many continue to rely on traditional medicine and indigenous practices. Socio-cultural factors, such as patriarchal norms and religious rituals, further influence healthcare-seeking behavior. Government initiatives like the National Rural Health Mission and the Integrated Child Development Services have had some success in improving healthcare utilisation among tribal populations. However, strengthening community support, conducting village-level awareness campaigns, and implementing targeted educational interventions can play a transformative role in enhancing healthcare access and overall well-being.
conclusionImproving maternal and child health in Odisha's tribal populations requires culturally sensitive approaches integrated with modern healthcare strategies. Enhancing awareness, infrastructure, and community health workers' roles can bridge access gaps while respecting tribal traditions.
Indexed as
Identifiers
What OpenQuestion holds
Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.