Are the Nutritional Needs of the South Indian Tribal Population met?
Charles Pon Ruban1, Mini Joseph2, Manjunath K3, Nihal Thomas4, John J5, Jasmine Prasad6
1Charles Pon Ruban, Department of Community Health, Diabetes & Metabolism, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.
2Mini Joseph, Department of Community Health, Diabetes & Metabolism, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.
3Manjunath K, Department of Community Health, Diabetes & Metabolism, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.
4Nihal Thomas, Department of Community Health, Diabetes & Metabolism, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.
5John J, Department of Community Health, Diabetes & Metabolism, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.
6Jasmine Prasad, Department of Community Health, Diabetes & Metabolism, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.
Manuscript received on 05 April 2019 | Revised Manuscript received on 14 April 2019 | Manuscript Published on 24 May 2019 | PP: 206-210 | Volume-8 Issue-6S3 April 2019 | Retrieval Number: F10410486S319/19©BEIESP
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© The Authors. Blue Eyes Intelligence Engineering and Sciences Publication (BEIESP). This is an open-access article under the CC-BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)
Abstract: Jawadhu hills is an extension of the Eastern Ghats and spreads across parts of Vellore and Tiruvannamalai districts in the northern part of the state of Tamil Nadu. The main objective of this research activity was to study the demographic details, anthropometric measures and to assess the adequacy of the food and nutrient intake of the residents living in the Jawadhu hills. Methods: This community based cross sectional study which was done among 138 residents (males n=66 & females n=72) of Jawadhu hills. Fourteen villages were surveyed (two stage stratified sampling procedure), which included 155 households. The demographic details, anthropometric measures, BMI and dietary data were obtained (24 hour recall method and food frequency method of an individual) from the household member. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 46.6 + 8.2 years. More than 75% of them were illiterate and nearly 50% of them were malnourished (60% males and 44% females) according to cut-offs by Asia Pacific guidelines. Labor work in the unorganized sector was their major source of income and this was variable. Majority of them hailed from the poorer strata of the society according to modified Kuppasamy scale and this is reflected in their poor food intake. Smoking habits, alcohol and tobacco use was rampant amongst the male population. The nutritional data revealed a gross deficit in the energy, macronutrients and micronutrients intake. This population consumed three major meals per day. Polished rice was the staple food and contributed the major calories, carbohydrate and proteins in their diet. The expensive proteins sources like poultry, flesh foods, fish, milk and milk products were consumed less frequently. Palm oil was the popular oil used in cooking. There was a gross deficit in the intake of fruits and vegetables. The Public Distribution System was their main source of purchasing food items. Conclusion: The poor purchasing power and lack of nutritional knowledge were the major impediments to including these nutrients rich foods in the diet. Encouraging kitchen gardens with cultivation of geographically appropriate vegetables and subsidized supply of nutri-grains like millets, pulses and vegetables through the public distribution system will ensure food security to this hill population and improve the quality of their diet. There is an urgent need to improve the nutritional awareness of this vulnerable population.
Keywords: Encouraging kitchen Gardens with Cultivation of Geographically Appropriate Vegetables and Subsidized Supply.
Scope of the Article: Community Information Systems