Alcohol use and its consequences in South India: views from a marginalised tribal population.

Background: Alcohol consumption in India is disproportionately higher among poorer and socially marginalised groups, notably Scheduled Tribes (STs). We lack an understanding of STs own views with regard to alcohol, which is important for implementing appropriate interventions.

Methods: This study was undertaken with the Paniyas (a previously enslaved ST) in a rural community in Kerala, South India.

Paniya Voices: a Participatory Poverty and Health Assessment among a marginalized South Indian tribal population.

Background: In India, indigenous populations, known as Adivasi or Scheduled Tribes (STs), are among the poorest and most marginalized groups. 'Deprived' ST groups tend to display high levels of resignation and to lack the capacity to aspire; consequently their health perceptions often do not adequately correspond to their real health needs. Moreover, similar to indigenous populations elsewhere, STs often have little opportunity to voice perspectives framed within their own cultural worldviews.