Anthropometric characteristics and undernutrition among adult Santal tribe of Birbhum District, West Bengal, India

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was undertaken to determine the anthropometric profile and nutritional status based on body mass index (BMI) of adult Santals, a tribal population of Birbhum District, West Bengal, India. A total of 400 adult (aged >18 years) Santals of two villages of Birbhum District (approximately 160 km from Kolkata city) were studied. Anthropometric measurements including height, weight, circumferences, and skinfolds as well as BMI were measured using standard protocols. Overall, the extent of undernutrition (BMI < 18.5) was found to be fairly high (34.5%). The prevalence of undernutrition was higher in females (38.5%) compared to males (30.5%) although this difference was statistically not significant. Using the World Health Organization criterion, the prevalence of undernutrition (based on BMI) is moderately high and the situation is critical. In conclusion, this study provided evidence that the prevalence of adult undernutrition is very high among Santals. Thus, immediate appropriate nutritional intervention programs need to be implemented for this tribal population. Moreover, further research is needed not only among this ethnic group but also other tribal populations of India to fully understand the causes and consequences of adult undernutrition. Lastly, endeavors should be made to study the consequences of the functional impairments commonly associated with low BMI in this ethnic group.