Conception to contraception : an ethnographic study among the Meo in north India

by Akhtar, Md. Faiyaz

This ethnographic study was conducted among the Meo community of north India

to understand cultural norms, prescriptive behaviors, and practices associated with

conceptions and contraception among Meo women and men living in five

neighboring villages in the region of Mewat. The study goals were to collect

ethnographic data on fertility-related practices among the Meo and to examine

possible associations of these beliefs and practices with fertility regulation and risks

of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In addition, the study explored the role of

spiritual healers in providing health care in the Meo community. Both qualitative

and quantitative methods, including participant observation, in-depth interviews,

focus group discussions (FGDs), were used for data collection.

The results of this study suggest that Meo culture emphasizes fertility and

its manifestation, and that spiritual healers play a significant role in the health

culture of the community. These findings provide a strong basis for developing

health intervention programs aimed at promoting condom use and prevention

against STIs.