Gender and Wealth Gaps Worsen Hypertension, Diabetes Care Among Odisha’s Tribal Communities

A large-scale health survey among tribal populations in Odisha has exposed deep inequalities in the way hypertension and diabetes are diagnosed, treated, and controlled. The Odisha Tribal Family Health Survey (OTFHS), carried out in 2022–23 across 14 tribal districts and covering more than 20,000 adults, reveals that while both conditions are widespread, the path from detection to management remains fractured—especially for hypertension.

Hypertension affects about one in three adults in these communities, while nearly one in ten lives with diabetes. Yet the response to the two diseases differs sharply. Only about 19 percent of people with high blood pressure know they have the condition, fewer than 14 percent receive treatment, and just under 7 percent manage to keep it under control. In contrast, diabetes care shows relatively stronger outcomes: nearly half of those affected are aware of their status, 44 percent are on medication, and around 41 percent succeed in controlling their blood sugar levels.

The study also highlights striking gender differences. Women in tribal areas are more likely than men to recognize, treat, and control hypertension. They are significantly ahead at every stage of the care process, awareness, treatment, and control. For diabetes, however, the gender gap is far less noticeable, with men and women showing similar progress in management.

Socioeconomic status further shapes these health outcomes. Tribal individuals from wealthier households are more likely to be aware of and seek treatment for both hypertension and diabetes than those from poorer backgrounds. Still, achieving consistent control remains a challenge across all income groups, pointing to broader issues of healthcare access and continuity.

The findings underline the complex interplay of gender, income, and health infrastructure in tribal Odisha. They suggest that awareness campaigns, regular screening, and affordable treatment options must be scaled up, with a sharper focus on men and poorer households who remain at a disadvantage. Moreover, building gender-sensitive and community-based strategies could help bridge the care gap and improve long-term outcomes.

As non-communicable diseases tighten their grip on even the most remote populations, the results of this survey serve as a warning. Unless urgent steps are taken to strengthen early detection and sustained treatment, tribal communities will continue to face preventable suffering from hypertension and diabetes diseases that can be managed effectively if inequalities in care are addressed.