Differing Health and Health-Seeking Behaviour: Ethnic Minorities of the Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh

Abstract

This study investigates the health and health-seeking behaviour of the indigenous population of Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh by surveying 2,550 randomly selected households from five major ethnic groups residing in the region. A structured questionnaire was used for collecting data. Morbidity prevalence (23%) and child malnutrition (19%) was highest among Bangalis. Fever (40 %), diarrhoeal diseases (37%) and malaria (16%) were the three most common illnesses reported among the study population. Around fifteen percent of the Bangalis sought care from the para-professionals while 'unqualified' allopaths were consulted more frequently by the Tripuras, Chakmas and the Marmas (60-70%). Qualified allopaths were mostly consulted by the Bangalis (26%). Sex, types of illness, ethnicity, household head's education and household's landholding were significant predictors of seeking treatment, and allopathic treatment in particular. The findings on the differential health and health-seeking behaviour among ethnic groups should help in the designing of any future health interventions in the area. Asia Pac J Public Health 2001; 13(2): 100-108