Healthcare-Seeking Behaviour of Elderly Indigenous Malayali Tribal Women in South India

Indigenous people inhabit forests and hilly regions and hereditarily follow certain healthcare beliefs and practices. This study explicitly focuses on the healthcare-seeking behaviour of elderly Malayali tribal women (MTW), with special emphasis on their knowledge, practices and use of indigenous plants, as well as their awareness of healthcare systems. The study aims to explore all aspects related to the health of elderly tribal women. For the purpose of this study, elderly MTW are defined as individuals above 60 years of age. The quota sampling method is employed, along with other characteristics. This phenomenological study utilizes methods including group discussions, interviews, field observations and informal meetings. The experiences of the participants were collected through in-depth interviews, analysed thematically to identify common patterns and interpreted to understand their healthcare-seeking behaviours within their cultural context. The study found that 60% of women above 70 years of age used medicinal plants. Formal literacy was not found to be a determining factor in the usage of medicinal and traditional knowledge. Illiterate elderly women possess more knowledge about traditional herbal medicines than their literate counterparts.