A Study on BMI Status, Dietary Habits and Frequency of Food Consumption by Indigenous Tribes

Abstract

patterns of an individual are closely linked to the lifestyle in which he inhabits. However, food habits are strongly influenced by society's thoughts, beliefs, notions, traditions, and taboos. In addition to these socio-cultural barriers, religion, education, and economic factors all influence food behaviours. Nutritional status of the population largely depends on the consumption of food in relation to their needs, which in turn is influenced by the availability of food and purchasing power. [2] The aim of this study is to assess BMI status, dietary habits and frequency of food consumption in tribal community of Visakhapatnam district. ABSTRACT Background: India is a diverse country with a blend of traditions and cultures inhabited by different people belonging to different communities, one such is the tribal community. The dietary habits of tribals are distinct from rest of the population. Based on this background, study was conducted to assess the dietary habits and frequency of consumption of foods by tribal population of Visakhapatnam district. Methodology: It is a community-based study among 100 randomly selected tribal men and women. Stratified random sampling technique was applied to select study population. A prior consent was taken from ITDA Project Officer and subjects. A pre-tested schedule was used to collect the information regarding anthropometry, dietary habits, food frequency, foods during festivals, nutritional deficiencies and nutritional intervention programmes. Results: Anthropometric measurements such as height and weight were measured and BMI was calculated. In the study population mean height and weight was 154.3±7.3 cm and 50.7±7.7 kgs respectively. The mean BMI was found to be 21.6±3.3 kg/ m 2. Ambali prepared with ragi flour is the most common breakfast. Intake of fruits was found to be low. Consumption of milk was almost negligible. The prevalence of anaemia in the study conducted was found to be 60.9%. Conclusion: Several nutrition intervention programmes have been implemented by the Government of India which have to be strengthened in order to improve purchasing power, making health services more accessible for the overall development of the tribal community.