A Study on the Health and Nutritional Status of Mawasi Tribal Women in Villages of Chitrakoot Region in Madhya Pradesh, India

The present study is a cross sectional survey in which an attempt was made to understand the socio- demographic profile and assess nutritional status of Mawasi tribal women in Majhgawan block of Satna district in Madhya Pradesh. The sample comprised of 100 females between the age groups of 18-46 which were selected from 100 households for assessment of health and nutritional status. Stratified random sampling method was used for selection of 5 villages. The primary tool in the study was predesigned and pretested interview schedule. Height, weight recording, clinical examination and body type of females were the part of the study. The design of the study is qualitative that include data from 100 in depth interviews with the mothers. To calculate nutrient intake, twenty –four hour dietary recall method was adopted and was compared with the RDA-2020 given by ICMR. Nearly half (51%) females were short stature and thin. 79 % women were suffering from severe to moderate anemia. Daily intake of foods were deficit in vitamin A (75.5%), vitamin C (54.83%), folic acid (70.32%),Vitamin B12(63%), iron (61.43%) and calcium (47.67%) nutrients. The mean weight of the female was 42.72 Kg. The vast majority (92%) of females had weight less than the weight of the reference women (55Kg). The mean body mass index was 19.39. Only one-third (32%) females were normal( BMI 20.0-25.0).More than half (51%)of the study women suffered from chronic energy deficiency (BMI<18.5). 98 % women were found anemic according to the cut-off (HB&lt;12.0g/dl) proposed by WHO. The overall nutritional status of the tribal females was poor and their nutrient intake was also insufficient showing high percentage deficit in calories, proteins, fats, iron, zinc, calcium and vitamins A, B and C intake. Nutritional anemia, Vit-A and vit-C, VitaminB12 deficiencies were common problems in Mawasi women.