A multidisciplinary team from Amrita Kripa Charitable Hospital in Kalpetta visited families in Kuppadi village to carry out a structured community diagnosis, assessing health, social structures, and living conditions among the local Wayanadan Chetti population.

Led by Dr Sanjiv Vasudevan MD, alongside Dr Ageesh MD, Dr Ajitha MBBS, and Ms Amrita Pandalam BPA (physician associate trainee), the group was supported by social workers Mr Balakrishnan, Br Rajesh, and Mrs and Mr Mukesh. Their assessments covered household structures and living conditions; socio-economic status, customs, and cultural practices—such as the Chettis’ integration of temple rituals into agriculture, which shapes daily life, health behaviours, and social cohesion; social relationships including kinship and community networks; and health factors like morbidity patterns, nutrition, sanitation, environmental risks, and access to services.

Framed as a “community diagnosis” akin to a clinical one, the study identifies strengths (e.g., robust cultural traditions tied to farming), problems, needs, and resources to guide targeted interventions. Methods included family health surveys, household visits, interviews, participant observation, focus groups, and mapping, blending quantitative data with qualitative insights into local customs.

Dr Sanjiv Vasudevan said: “This diagnosis respects the Wayanadan Chettis’ traditions while pinpointing health gaps, enabling culturally sensitive programmes that build on community strengths.”

The findings will inform future outreach to improve health equity in this agriculturally dependent tribal area.