ISSN: 2222-6990
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Low health standards and access to healthcare services for indigenous Malaysians continue to be significant challenges. Poverty, malnutrition, poor hygiene, environmental contamination, and the prevalence of infections all contribute to poor health. This study examines the complexities of culture and its interaction with various intersecting influences on promoting community participation in disease prevention and control behaviour by providing a narrative experience of Orang Asli accessing health care in Kelantan. A focused ethnographic study was carried out to understand and describe the community involvement and participation among the Bateq Tribes in Gua Musang, Kelantan in relation to prevent measles disease from spreading in the community. This study will also look at health behaviours and other cultural phenomena related to the problem. We recruited 26 participants (17 males and 9 females) ranging in age from 18 to 60 years old, and in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted to investigate the participants' experiences living in a semi-nomadic culture. Data analysis was informed and guided by Roper and Shapira's framework for ethnographic analysis. Four themes emerged from an in-depth understanding of indigenous peoples' experiences in the larger sociocultural context in which they lived. Data analysis revealed that community involvement, competing interests among community and stakeholders, community decision making and participation, participation in prevention and control of disease all contribute to the factors and challenges that drive the indigenous community in preventing and disease control behaviour. The high prevalence of chronic disease and risk behaviours among indigenous peoples has resulted from the interaction of numerous underlying causes, including population group differences and a variety of ecological, cultural, and social determinants of health with varying degrees of impact. There is an urgent need to focus on general health and specific health conditions, wellness, cultural practises, healthcare service seeking, healthcare provider relationships, and self-care optimization. These findings may benefit future efforts to improve healthcare access and reduce disease burden, allowing for the development of more effective strategies, programmes, and policies.
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