Do integrative approaches to health contribute to selfreliance in primary healthcare? reflections from a community case study in Kerala, India

Abstract

A pluralistic Health system provides options for people to choose appropriate healthcare approach. However, the ability to make informed decision is infleuenced by many factors. An informed decision is one of the attributes of self-reliance. In this study, through the interactions with smallholder farmers, we tried to travel through the realm of communities’ integrative practices and perceptions with a specific focus on traditional medicine concerning animal and human health. We aimed to understand what influences healthcare choices, mainly traditional medicine among people and how it contributes to self-reliance in primary healthcare. We conducted this case study in Aluva taluk of Ernakulam district in Kerala, India. Study participants were selected using the purposive sampling method and the data collected through 22 in-depth interviews and participant observation.