From Knowledge to Care: Hemoglobinopathy Awareness and Health-Seeking Behaviour among selected Scheduled Tribes in Tamil Nadu

Background In India, hemoglobinopathies are a major public health concern, especially among Scheduled Tribe populations where socioeconomic disadvantage and limited access to preventive health services combine with genetic susceptibility. In many tribal settings, knowledge of inherited blood disorders and the use of genetic services are still low, despite the growth of national screening and control programs. Designing culturally appropriate preventive strategies requires an understanding of health-seeking behaviour patterns and community-level awareness. Aim This study aimed to assess awareness of hemoglobinopathies and describe patterns of general health-seeking behaviour among Scheduled Tribe populations residing in selected districts of Tamil Nadu. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 study participants belonging to the tribes residing in Dharmapuri, Kancheepuram, Salem, and Nilgiris. A semi-structured questionnaire captured socio-demographic characteristics, awareness of hemoglobinopathies, and health-seeking behaviours. Reliability of the tool was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and proportions. Results Only 24% of participants had heard about hemoglobinopathies. Among those aware, healthcare professionals (n = 56, 58%) were the main information sources. Awareness regarding inheritance was around 17% with around 80% unable to identify the cause. Majority of the study participants self-reported that their health status was fair (n = 164, 41%) and mentioned that they have a primary health center located nearby their residence (n = 237, 59%). Out of 276 female study participants, 12 (4%) were pregnant among whom, the utilization of genetic testing was around 67% (n = 8). Barriers included difficulties in convincing family members (94%) to seek a health facility at the time of illness. Conclusion Despite perceived access to healthcare services, the results show significant gaps in knowledge of hemoglobinopathies among the scheduled tribe communities. Household decision-making dynamics and sociocultural factors seem to have a significant impact on health-seeking behaviour. Tribal populations may benefit from early detection and prevention of inherited blood disorders if community-based awareness campaigns and culturally sensitive genetic counselling are strengthened through primary healthcare platforms.