*Centre for Equity and Social Development, National Institute of Rural Development, Rajendra Nagar, Hyderabad (A.P.). Email: smobar2@gmail.com (All communication with this regards should be communicated with the first author)
**Reader and Head, Department of Sociology, JNPG College, Lucknow. Email: vchandra009@gmail.com
***Professor, Department of Humanities and Social Science, IIT Kanpur, Kanpur. U.P., Email: arunk@iitk.ac.in
Online published on 24 December, 2014.
The paper examines the health challenges faced by youth infected with tuberculosis (TB) and the life skills helping them in facing health challenges in the cold and arid Ladakh. Data was collected using semi-structured interview schedule. Findings revealed, that they blamed their condition to the past sins and propitiation of gods, or because of living/travelling in harsh weather conditions, etc. Though initially reluctant, they sought treatment after consistent persuasion of local Non-Government Organisation (NGO) volunteers. Respondents opted for the public hospital over private ones, while some preferred the indigenous medical system ‘Amchi’. Perceived stigma related to TB, fear of ostracisation, lack of faith in treatment, etc. affected their treatment seeking behaviour. It was conjectured that Buddhism spreads compassion and helps in coping. Provision of better health facilities and spreading knowledge and awareness will help in combating the existing challenges. Local NGO volunteers were actively involved in spreading the message in their close-knit community.
Coping, Life skills, Health challenges, TB
