A study on nutritional status among the adult Garos' of West Garo Hills, North-East India (Meghalaya)

Abstract

Health Status is the basic indicator of human wellbeing and nutritional status. Deficiencies or imbalance in nutrient intake leads to malnutrition which is associated with a number of short- and long-term health consequences that alleviate the ability of an individual to sustain economically productive work and ultimately hinder the development of the whole nation. Thus, study on nutritional status requires urgent attention in order to prevent malnutrition related complications. In this background, the present study examines nutritional status of the Garos of West Garo Hills, Meghalaya. To achieve this purpose, cross-sectional study was conducted among 43 females and 57 males of 'Garos' from Asananggre village, West Garo Hills, Northeast India (Meghalaya). The study divulge taller and heavier males compared to females. Body Mass Index status of male and female did not differ significantly (p<0.05). Majority of females belong to normal (52.6%) followed by overweight category(35.1%) while males were more incline to overweight category (48.8%). According to MUAC, the nutritional status of both the males and females are normal. Significant (p<0.05) difference was seen between males and females in terms of Hemoglobin level where, majority were mild anemic or normal.1.8% females were found to be severely anemic. From the study it can be envisaged that most adult males and females are well-nourished and only few females were severely anemic i.e., undernourished.