Authors: Dr. Shahla Khan, Dr. P.K. Patra, Shahla Khan
Abstract: Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a hereditary hemoglobin disorder with a high prevalence among tribal populations in central India, particularly in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh. The socio-economic status (SES) of individuals affected by SCD is generally low, with a disproportionate burden among Scheduled Tribes (ST), Scheduled Castes (SC), and Other Backward Classes (OBC), who predominantly reside in remote areas with limited access to healthcare services. This study examines the socio-economic and psychosocial challenges faced by SCD patients in tribal areas of Bastar, focusing on healthcare access, education, employment, and social stigma. A mixed-methods approach was employed, incorporating field surveys, semi-structured interviews, and secondary data analysis. The findings reveal substantial barriers to healthcare access, low educational attainment, economic vulnerability, and widespread social stigma, all of which significantly impact quality of life. The study highlights the urgent need for targeted, culturally sensitive interventions to improve healthcare delivery, enhance socio-economic conditions, and reduce stigma associated with SCD in tribal regions.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20308373
