Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Healthcare Services Among a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in Coastal Karnataka, India: Findings from a Community-Based Cross-Sectional Survey.

BACKGROUND

Among various Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India, the Koraga community stands out as one that warrants focused attention through targeted public health efforts.

OBJECTIVE

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted to assess knowledge and attitudes toward healthcare services among 622 adult members (aged 18-70 years) of the Koraga tribe from a southern coastal district of Karnataka.

METHODS

We employed a multistage cluster sampling approach, treating each block under the study as a cluster and selecting households using probability proportional to size (PPS) method.Data collection survey occurred from April 2021 to April 2022 through personal interviews with consenting adults, using a structured data collection tool.The data was entered and analyzed using Jamovi software version 2.6.26.Univariate and multivariable logistic regression was performed to examine associations between sociodemographic variables and the knowledge and attitude for communicable diseases, reproductive health, and mental health services.The results are represented as unadjusted odds ratio and adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

The study found that, overall, 58% of respondents exhibited poor knowledge as well as unfavourable attitudes toward utilising healthcare services.The study revealed limited knowledge among tribal people regarding healthcare services, with scores of 62.2% for communicable diseases, 71.9% for reproductive health, and 50% for mental health. Additionally, attitudes toward these domains were largely unfavourable, measured at 50.2%, 54.8%, and 60.5%, respectively.These outcomes showed a statistically significant association with demographic variables, including head-of-household status, age, religion, family size, educational attainment, and residence (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

PVTG community in Udupi district of South Karnataka, India, lack knowledge and favourable attitude towards healthcare services on communicable diseases, reproductive health and mental health. The findings underscore the urgent need for tailored health literacy initiatives and follow-up interventions among this PVTG to improve their health beliefs, and health status.