RESUMO
In order to understand and establish an effective approach toward sustainable rural health development in the tribal region of South Bihar, an extensive socio-medical survey on over 90% of the houses of four tribal villages was undertaken. Using both a family-based questionnaire and screening physical examinations, the vital statistics, disease prevalence rates, immunization rates, and use of maternal health services in this neglected and previously unstudied area were determined. Local health-related behaviours and attitudes as well as nutritional status and family dietary intake were also focused upon. The results indicate that disease prevalence and mortality rates are significantly higher than expected and that existing services are less effective than previously thought. More importantly, the survey offers evidence that the fundamental obstacle toward improved community health remains a vast lack of health awareness and education in the villages; specifically in the areas of nutrition, immunization, diarrhoea prevention and treatment, maternity care, and family planning. Surveys of this kind provide vital information to health professionals working in underserved areas in India and should be an integral part of any such developmental undertaking.