Abstract
The indigenous food environment, dietary intake and nutritional status of women in the Santhal tribal community of Jharkhand were assessed. Contribution of indigenous foods to nutritional status and nutrient intakes was explored. Exploratory cross-sectional study with a longitudinal dietary intake assessment component. Household and dietary surveys were conducted to elicit information on socio-economic and demographic profile and food consumption patterns at household level. A 24 h dietary recall for two consecutive days (repeat surveys in two more seasons) and anthropometric assessments were carried out on one woman per household. Households (n 151) with at least one woman of reproductive age in four villages of Godda district of Jharkhand, India. Women aged 15-49 years. Almost all households owned agricultural land and grew fruits and vegetables in backyards for household consumption. A wide variety of indigenous foods were reported but dietary recalls revealed low intake. Women consumed adequate energy and protein but micronutrient intake was inadequate (less than 66 % of recommended) in the majority (more than 50 %) for Ca, Fe, vitamin B2, folate and vitamin B12. Women consuming indigenous foods in the past 2 d had significantly higher intakes of Ca (P=0·008) and Fe (P=0·010) than those who did not. Varying degrees of underweight were observed in 50 % of women with no significant association between underweight and consumption of indigenous foods. Promotion of preferential cultivation of nutrient-dense indigenous food sources and effective nutrition education on their importance may facilitate better micronutrient intakes among women in Santhal community of Jharkhand.
Highlights
In the present paper we document our findings on the contribution of indigenous foods to nutrient intakes and nutritional status of women in the Santhal tribal community of Jharkhand. Study design This was an exploratory, cross-sectional survey with a longitudinal component on dietary intake assessment to account for seasonal variations
In June 2013, a detailed household (HH) and dietary survey was conducted. This was supplemented with a 24 h dietary recall (DR) on two consecutive days of one woman of reproductive age (15–49 years) per HH
Consumption and production of indigenous foods The present study focused predominantly on eliciting information about the consumption and contribution of indigenous foods to the dietary intake of Santhal women
Summary
Study design This was an exploratory, cross-sectional survey with a longitudinal component on dietary intake assessment to account for seasonal variations.Study settings Four villages in the Sunderpahari block of Godda district of Jharkhand were covered.Study period The data were collected in three seasons. Study design This was an exploratory, cross-sectional survey with a longitudinal component on dietary intake assessment to account for seasonal variations. Study settings Four villages in the Sunderpahari block of Godda district of Jharkhand were covered. Study period The data were collected in three seasons. In June 2013 (rainy season), a detailed household (HH) and dietary survey was conducted. This was supplemented with a 24 h dietary recall (DR) on two consecutive days of one woman of reproductive age (15–49 years) per HH. A third of the same women were followed up in November 2013 (winter) and May 2014 (summer) by undertaking a two-day 24 h DR to capture seasonal variations in food and nutrient intakes
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