Anthropometric Profile and Chronic Energy Deficiency Among Adult Santal Tribals of Jhargram, West Medinipur District, West Bengal, India: Comparison With Other Tribal Populations of Eastern India

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was undertaken to determine anthropometric profile and the prevalence of chronic energy deficiency (CED), based on body mass index (BMI) of adult Santals, a tribal population of Jhargram, West Medinipur District, West Bengal, India. A total of 410 adult (aged > 18 years) Santals of six villages (Jharagaria, Jamiderdanga, Jamda, Jaynagar, Chapashol, and Lukudahi) near Jhargram town of West Medinipur District, West Bengal, India, were studied. These villages are located within 15 km. (approximately) from Jhargram town and 150 km. from Kolkata, the provincial capital of West Bengal. Anthropometric measurements including height, weight, and circumferences as well as BMI were measured using standard protocol. Overall, the extent of CED (BMI < 18.5) was found to be very high (36.8%). The prevalence of CED was higher in women (41.8%) compared to men (31.5%), although this difference was statistically not significant. Using the World Health Organization criterion (WHO, 1995) the prevalence of CED was high and the situation was serious in men. Among women, CED prevalence was very high and the situation was critical. However, compared to some other tribes of eastern India, adult Santals had better anthropometric and nutritional profile.

The authors would like to thank all subjects who participated in the study.

In conclusion, this study provided evidence that although the anthropometric and nutritional profile of adult Santals was better than some of the other tribal populations of eastern India, immediate appropriate nutritional intervention programs are needed for implementation among Santals.

Keywords:

• India
• tribes
• Santals
• body mass index
• chronic energy deficiency

Notes

The authors would like to thank all subjects who participated in the study.

Banerjee, S. (2005). Anthropometric characteristics and nutritional status of adult Santals of Jhargram subdivision, Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal. M. Sc. dissertation, Vidyasagar University, Medinipur, West Bengal, India (unpublished)