Health on the Margins: A Qualitative Inquiry into Maternal Well-Being Among Bakerwal Tribes in Kashmir

This study examines the critical issue of maternal health among tribal women in developing countries, with a specific focus on the Bakerwal tribe in Kashmir. Tribal women encounter significant challenges, including poverty, restricted access to medical facilities, and inadequate maternal care. Understanding these barriers is essential for addressing maternal health disparities and improving healthcare interventions tailored to their unique socio-cultural and economic conditions.

The research was conducted among the Bakerwal community in Check Village, Anantnag, using a qualitative approach 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. Employing purposive sampling and guided by the principle of data saturation, in-depth interviews were conducted with 12 Bakerwal women and 5 healthcare professionals specializing in maternal care. This approach facilitated a deeper understanding of the maternal health challenges within the cultural and socio-economic context of the community.

The study reveals that Bakerwal tribal women 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. 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.

The maternal health of Bakerwal tribal women in Kashmir faces significant challenges at the intersection of poverty, cultural norms, and limited healthcare access. 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. Addressing these issues requires culturally sensitive interventions, improved healthcare infrastructure, and targeted awareness programs to bridge existing gaps and ensure equitable maternal care.