Utilization of public healthcare services by the Irula: implications for an integrated social work approach in healthcare settings

Purpose This study aims to determine the public healthcare utilization of the Irula and outline its implications for an integrated social work approach in healthcare settings. Design/methodology/approach Adopting a descriptive cross-sectional design, multi-stage hybrid sampling was used to select 116 samples from 10 Irula settlements in Chengalpattu district, India. Findings Study findings showed that antenatal care and intra-natal care utilization were lower than the national average for 4 of 6 indicators; healthcare delivery significantly affected child immunization (0.01**) and child spacing (0.02**); healthcare schemes (33%) were underutilized; health insurance coverage was low (41%); indirect healthcare cost was unaffordable (97%) and social determinants of health significantly affected (0.001**) health-seeking behaviour. Originality/value Against this backdrop, an integrated social work approach in healthcare is highly essential, promising and consistent towards ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being of the most vulnerable populations in line with Sustainable Development Goal-3, 2030.