| Abstract: | Health and nutrition education involves not only conveying new information and concepts, but also persuading the target population to engage in innovative action and direct participation. This process can be thwarted if cultural factors are ignored, particularly in dealing with a tribal population. In a country like India, communication with tribals is influenced by ethnic and cultural diversities, different types of ecological settings, a low literacy level, geographic isolation, the lack of development infrastructure, language barriers, health taboos and problems, a lack of access to modern media forms, and food availability and use. Most suitable for working with tribal populations appear to be the media of the spoken work, song and drama, games, exhibitions at the weekly market and yearly festivals, and pictorial aids. Since communication is a 2-way process, there must be a shared frame of reference among scientists, communicators, and receivers. Moreover, even when health education messages are delivered through culture-specific entertainment programs, they must be part of a comprehensive health and development package in which extension workers are backed up by health professionals and integrated programs. |
