Tribal Females Research Articles

Educational exclusion and socio-cultural constraints for tribal women in the Ganderbal district

Using a phenomenological approach, this study aims at understanding tribal females' educational deprivation due to socio-cultural limitations. The study, conducted in the Ganderbal district of Kashmir in 2022, included 30 women. A semi-structured interview schedule and observation method was used to collect data, which was analyzed with Moustakas' modified Stevick-Colaizzi-Keen phenomenological approach. We identified four themes associated with women's challenges in their communities: (a) poverty, domestic duties, and co-education challenges, (b) cultural and structural barriers, (c) economic exploitation, early marriage, and gender bias and (d) intersection of marginality. Deep-seated cultural norms favoring men's education and relegating women to domestic roles hampered tribal women's access to education. These norms, in turn, resulted in detrimental practices such as child marriage, forced labor, child labor, exclusion from the market, social alienation, exploitation and backwardness, poor decision-making power, and increasing school dropouts. To promote educational inclusion among tribal members, it is necessary to implement National Education Policy (NEP)-2020 fully and make both tribal men and women aware of the impact of socioeconomic and cultural exclusion on their mobility.

Anthropometric Study of Head Length among Garo Tribal and Non-Tribal Adult Bangladeshi Females of Greater Mymensingh Region

A cross-sectional, analytical type of study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy, Sir Salimullah Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from January to December of 2015, to observe the differences in head length between Garo tribal and non-tribal adult Bangladeshi females of Greater Mymensingh Region. The study subjects consist of two hundred (200) adult Bangladeshi female of greater Mymensingh districts among them, 100 were tribal (Garo) female and 100 were non-tribal female. Head length was taken the two ends of the spreading caliper were placed as one end on the glabella and the other end was fixed on the inion. Inion was identified by palpation. Conversion technique kept the caliper along a sagittal plane. Then the reading was taken from the calibrations on the caliper and was recorded in cm. The mean head length was higher in Garo tribal females than that of non-tribal females and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.0001). Our data suggests that the head length was higher in tribal female (Garo) than non-tribal female in Greater Mymensingh Region in Bangladesh. CBMJ 2024 July: vol. 13 no. 02 P: 213-217

Estimation of prakriti (body constitution) in women of Eastern Maharashtra tribal belt of central India featuring early and premature menopause.

Prakriti (body constitution) is the essential fundamental of Ayurveda. In female physiology, it plays a crucial role in determining the age of menarche and menopause. Recent research has shown that early menopause occurs in tribal women. Vagbhata states that a kapha dosha pradhan prakriti female has a longer menstrual life [i.e., reproductive period] compared to the vata and pitta prakriti females. This study was done to estimate prakriti in females who attain early and premature menopause in the tribal population to provide optimal care for tribal women through primary and whole health systems. This cross-sectional questionnaire survey study was carried out in four villages of Nagpur district territory of Eastern Maharashtra, the central zone of India after seeking permission from IEC. A multistage sampling technique was used to select the 80%, and above tribal people, 169 married women who attained early or premature menopause were included. Post-menopausal women were selected for the study, and females with hysterectomy, secondary amenorrhea, and other major illnesses were excluded from the study. Data were collected by survey method with the help of a pre-validated questionnaire. Out of 169 females 57.98% of females were of vata prakriti, 24.85% of females were of pitta prakriti, and 17.15% of females were of kapha prakriti. The prevalence of early or premature menopause of vata prakriti females is 57.98. Vata dosha characteristics such as ruksha, laghu, sheeta, and khara in vata prakriti females lead to early or premature menopause. To avoid early or premature menopause in tribal females, ghee (ghrit) and milk can be included in dietary habits, lifestyle modification, and awareness counseling may prove beneficial. Early or premature menopause is observed largely in vata prakriti females of Nagpur district, Eastern Maharashtra, tribal zone of Central Inda.

Going the extra mile: Developing an interactive mobile application for maternal and infant care for tribal birth attendants.

Mobile health applications are an established tool for healthcare management, patient education, and even capacity building for healthcare providers. However, its use among traditional birth attendants (TBAs) is limited. The aim of this study is to explore the needs and bottlenecks of developing an interactive mobile application for maternal and infant care (MAI) of TBAs. It is a qualitative study having in-depth interviews (face-to-face approach) conducted among the seekers of MAI services. Setting: This study is conducted in tribal and rural locations in the district Sirohi, Rajasthan. Participants: TBAs and tribal females of reproductive age in tribal-dominated areas have participated. The development of an interactive mobile application MAI has three phases: (1) a need-based approach to identify the needs on the ground; (2) identifying intervention bottlenecks and possible solutions; (3) design and development of the mobile application. Ninety-six tribal females of reproductive age participated in the needs assessment. Eighty percent of them were ≤ 30 years of age and 40% of them were uneducated. Most participants informed that lack of information (culturally/locally appropriate content), peer advocacy, affordability, lack of transportation, and the influence of TBAs are the significant factors for less uptake of maternity and child health services in the tribal and rural areas. The MAI app has culturally/locally appropriate content and is prepared by the local TBAs and Accredited Social Health Activists, with full local character and clothing. MAI app has videos and audio in the local language (Marwari) with pictorial quizzes. Using the MAI app, TBAs may self-educate and guide tribal pregnant women about maternal hygiene and infant healthcare as needed at various stages of pregnancy and childbirth.

A Study on the Health and Nutritional Status of Mawasi Tribal Women in Villages of Chitrakoot Region in Madhya Pradesh, India

The present study is a cross sectional survey in which an attempt was made to understand the socio- demographic profile and assess nutritional status of Mawasi tribal women in Majhgawan block of Satna district in Madhya Pradesh. The sample comprised of 100 females between the age groups of 18-46 which were selected from 100 households for assessment of health and nutritional status. Stratified random sampling method was used for selection of 5 villages. The primary tool in the study was predesigned and pretested interview schedule. Height, weight recording, clinical examination and body type of females were the part of the study. The design of the study is qualitative that include data from 100 in depth interviews with the mothers. To calculate nutrient intake, twenty –four hour dietary recall method was adopted and was compared with the RDA-2020 given by ICMR. Nearly half (51%) females were short stature and thin. 79 % women were suffering from severe to moderate anemia. Daily intake of foods were deficit in vitamin A (75.5%), vitamin C (54.83%), folic acid (70.32%),Vitamin B12(63%), iron (61.43%) and calcium (47.67%) nutrients. The mean weight of the female was 42.72 Kg. The vast majority (92%) of females had weight less than the weight of the reference women (55Kg). The mean body mass index was 19.39. Only one-third (32%) females were normal( BMI 20.0-25.0).More than half (51%)of the study women suffered from chronic energy deficiency (BMI<18.5). 98 % women were found anemic according to the cut-off (HB<12.0g/dl) proposed by WHO. The overall nutritional status of the tribal females was poor and their nutrient intake was also insufficient showing high percentage deficit in calories, proteins, fats, iron, zinc, calcium and vitamins A, B and C intake. Nutritional anemia, Vit-A and vit-C, VitaminB12 deficiencies were common problems in Mawasi women.

Oral Human Papillomavirus Infection among Smokeless Tobacco-using Tribal Women in Mysuru, India.

Smokeless tobacco (SLT) is consumed by more than 300 million people worldwide. Studies show high use among Indian indigenous women who are also at high risk for oral cancers. Both human papillomavirus infection (HPV) and SLT have been associated with oral cancer, this study examined the presence of high-risk HPV in oral samples collected from tribal smokeless tobacco users in Mysuru, India. Between June and August 2019, 100 tribal females (50 SLT-users and 50 non-users) from rural Mysuru District, Karnataka, were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. Following informed consent, demographic data and oral samples were collected and processed using a digene HC2 High-Risk HPV DNA test (Qiagen, USA). On average participants were 45.5 (SD: ±6.6) years. Chronic SLT users were mostly married (73%), Hindu (100%), illiterate (62%), and employed (90%). One woman was positive for high-risk HPV infection. Oral HPV infection was low in this sample and this is consistent with the literature from other low and middle-income countries. SLT use is high in this group so interventions to reduce tobacco use are warranted.

Menstrual Hygiene Practices in Indian Tribal Females: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

India is native to many tribal communities: Bharia (Madhya Pradesh), Bihl (Rajasthan), Santhal (Bihar, Jharkhand), Bodo (Assam, West Bengal), and many more. They reside in isolated geographical regions, which poses challenges in reaching out to them. In addition, they still have firm beliefs and taboos regarding menstruation. Knowledge about menstrual health and hygiene is one of the most important aspects of tribal health. Therefore, it is important to synthesize the results of menstrual hygiene data from the Indian tribal population. We have calculated the pooled prevalence of sanitary pad use, dustbin disposal, and hygienic reuse of menstrual materials. Online databases, namely PubMed, Cochrane Central, CINAHL, Pan African Journals, EBSCO, and Google Scholar, were searched. After the removal of duplicates, a quality check, and screening of cross-references, 19 articles were selected for final review.Statistical analysis was done by Revman 5.4 and STATA 17.0. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. PRISMA guidelines were followed. The protocol registration number was CRD42022331376.This is a non-funded article. The pooled prevalence of sanitary pad use in Indian tribal females was 2% (95% CI 1 to 3). The pooled prevalence of dustbin disposal of menstrual material was 1% (95% CI: 0.00 to 0.02). The pooled prevalence of hygienic reuse of menstrual materials was 1%. Sanitary menstrual hygiene practices are very less prevalent in Indian tribal females. Awareness programs and tribal health policies need to be accelerated for the promotion of menstrual hygiene. Also, literature on the use, disposal, and storage of menstrual adsorbents is scarce in Indian tribes. Health research in this area needs to be emphasized.

Impact of Literacy on Female Age of Marriage of Scheduled Tribe Community in Siliguri Sub-division, West Bengal, India

Literacy is a key indicator of the socio-economic progression of an individual as well as of a society. A literate person always is a better respondent to the socio-economic events than an illiterate person in the society. The female age of marriage is also an important indicator for a sustainable and healthy society. As the tribal community is one of the most primitive communities in the society, these two parameters play a very important role towards their socio-economic as well as towards the overall development. The research work has done based on the primary data collected from the study area Siliguri sub-division, West Bengal, India. The objective of the research work is to find out the literacy status of the tribal females and also to find out the impact of literacy on the female age of marriage. To compare the tribal female literacy status with that of the tribal male literacy, Disparity Index has been prepared from the primary data. This gives a clear indication towards the presence of gender disparity in literacy in the study area. The overall tribal female literacy is clearly at far behind than tribal male literacy. The research also shows a ray of hope in terms of a huge improvement to mitigate this disparity in recent times. The data shows presence of child marriage in the tribal community of Siliguri sub-division. Analyzing the primary data, it is found that the child marriage is happening more frequently for illiterate tribal females than that of the literate one. So, clearly the impact of literacy on female age of marriage stands out.

Mapping of Local Therapeutic Foods (LTF) and Micronutrients (MN); their logistics in community-based management of Severe Malnutrition (SAM, SUW) as a benchmark in tribal Melghat, Maharashtra

Background/Introduction: WHO recommended ‘ready to use therapeutic food’ (RUTF) for community-based management (CMAM) of severely malnourished children (SMC). This is often rejected by children. The objective is to identify and map the locally produced and socio-culturally acceptable food items to treat SMC. Methods: Through community participation, eight varieties of MAHAN Local therapeutic foods (LTFs) were prepared by tribal females at our center as per WHO norms with a shelf life of 4 weeks. LTFs with micronutrients were given at the feeding centers in the villages under supervision 3 - 4 times a day. Results: Multiple, palatable, culturally acceptable, safe, feasible with local womanpower, and cost-effective recipes were developed. Hence, our LTFs are qualitatively superior to other therapeutic foods. This mapping exercise provides a ready reference to other government or non-government organizations for CMAM. Conclusion: MAHAN-LTF is a multiple, palatable, generalizable, and sustainable therapeutic food and are being used in other tribal blocks of India.

Photo-Anthropometric Study of Breadth of Eye and Intercanthal Distance Among Tribal Garo and Non-tribal Adult Bangladeshi Females of Mymensingh Zone

Background: Anthropometry provides quantitative data in identifying people having different physical characteristics in diagnosing people having craniofacial abnormality and to compare between patient and normal population. The eye is a person’s most defining feature because the shape of the eye differs from race to race, tribe to tribe and from one environment to another.Objective: To see craniofacial anthropometric differences between tribal (Garo) and non-tribal Bangladeshi females.Materials &amp; Methods: This cross sectional, analytical type of study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy, Sir Salimullah Medical College, Dhaka, from January to December of 2015. The study subjects consist of two hundred adult Bangladeshi females of Mymensingh Zone – 100 were tribal (Garo) females and 100 were non-tribal females.Results: The mean breadth of eye from ‘distance between outer and inner canthus of right and left eye ’was higher in non- tribal female than tribal (Garo) female and was statistically significant (P&lt;0.001) and intercanthal breadth from ‘distance between inner canthus of right and left eye’ was higher in tribal female than non-tribal female and was statistically significant (P&lt;0.05).Conclusion: The breadth of the eye was greater in non- tribal female and intercanthal breadth was greater in tribal females.International Journal of Human and Health Sciences Vol. 06 No. 01 January’22 Page: 104-107

Anganwadi based nutritional survey of children in Attappadi

Background: Malnutrition and anaemia form major public health problems among the school age children, particularly in the developing countries.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among children between 6 months and 18 years, in randomly selected 25 Anganwadis of Attappadi area. Objective of the study was to estimate the prevalence of anaemia and malnutrition among the children of Attappadi. Children were divided in to tribal and nontribal. Anthropometric measurements, haemoglobin estimation by cyanmethemoglobin method and peripheral smear examination were done.Results: 65.5% tribal and 54.1% non-tribal were anaemic. Among males 65.9% tribal and 56.4% non-tribal were anaemic. Among females 65.1% tribal and 52.6% nontribal were anaemic. In the age group less than 6 years, 9% tribal females, 8.9% nontribal females, 12% tribal males and 5.8% nontribal males were severely stunted. Above 6yrs it was 3.3% tribal females, 2.7% nontribal females, 2.4% tribal males and 7.4% nontribal males. In the age group less than 6 years, 12.5% tribal females, 3.9% nontribal females, 15.9% tribal males and 4.3% nontribal males had severe underweight. Above 6 years it was 8.3% tribal females, 0% non-tribal females, 19% tribal males and 3% non-tribal males.Conclusions: Anaemia and malnutrition are common among children of Attappadi. Tribal children are more affected than non-tribal children. Anaemia is more common among two age groups, less than 5 years and more than 11 years. Among females’ adolescent girls are more affected. Periodic assessment of growth parameters and early detection and treatment of anaemia are needed.

Awareness about Gynecological Cancers amongst Tribal Females

Background: Gender differences are engrained in our culture and are evident when perceiving women’s health and ill health. Health issues of women are of great importance in a society as it directly impacts the fabric of family and society. With limited access to education or employment, high illiteracy rates and increasing poverty levels health improvements for women are quite difficult in developing countries including India. There is a significant lack of official data on gynecological cancers further for women from tribal population which is important for advocacy and public health care planning. Aim: Study aimed at assessing awareness of gynecological cancers amongst tribal females in Borivali Taluka of Mumbai, Maharashtra. Methodology: The research is a descriptive study with a cross-sectional research design. 100 tribal female comprised the total sample. Result: Significant lack of awareness about the Gynecological cancers was seen in the tribal respondents of Aarey circle of Borivalli Taluka, Mumbai regarding the symptoms, treatment, and preventive measures of gynecological cancers. Conclusion: It is evident from previous as well as current study several factors are responsible for poor awareness about gynecological cancers among marginalized tribal respondents.&#x0D; &#x0D;

Evaluation of Predictors for Safe Motherhood Among Tribal Women in Bangladesh Chittagong Hill Tracts

Objectives: Bangladesh is a country which is known for its flora and fauna in South Asia. Despite embracing safe motherhood and adhering to the advice of the International Community, with remarkable progress towards achieving the maternal mortality Millennium Development Goals (MDG) 5 goal, its development contrasts with the tribal people who reside in the remote hilly regions of the country. Therefore, this study was intended to identify the predictors that affect secure maternity practices among the tribal women of Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), Bangladesh. Materials and Methods: This study adopted a cross-sectional approach and was performed with live births of 556 married tribal females aged 15 to 49 years from three districts of CHT when the age of their children was not more than 1 year. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to interview the subjects. Finally, the statistical analysis was conducted with SPSS20 to estimate the odds ratios and strength of the relationship between the variables at P&lt;0.10. Results: The results of the study revealed that safe maternity practices are not the standard in CHT. Only 12.7% met the standard of maternity services in CHT. At the time of pregnancy, more than 2/3 of females received no prenatal care. The results further demonstrated that only 34% of the women gave birth to the baby at a hospital while 66% of the births occurred at home and over 50% were assisted by untrained traditional midwives. Conclusions: In general, the results revealed that socioeconomic, demographic, cultural, and behavioral factors affected the adoption of maternal health care services (MHCS) by the women of CHT. Therefore, improving the economic conditions by introducing ‘eco-friendly’ industries can help enhance the uptake of safe motherhood practices.

Knowledge about Menarche and Menstruation among Tribal Females of Kargil

Knowledge about Menarche and Menstruation among Tribal Females of Kargil

Knowledge about Menarche and Menstruation among Tribal Females of Kargil

Knowledge about Menarche and Menstruation among Tribal Females of Kargil

Gender Disparities in the Prevalence of Undernutrition and the Higher Risk among the Young Women of Indian Tribes.

BackgroundHigh undernutrition is a grave concern in India. Marginalized populations like Indian tribes have been under the serious stress of such nutritional extreme. Women, in particular, are the worst sufferers. Gender-related comprehensive studies regarding the prevalence and risks of undernutrition among the tribes have not been properly pursued in India; the vulnerability of the young females has least been examined.Methods and FindingsWe conducted a cross-sectional study during January 2011 to December 2013 among 1066 males and 1090 females (n = 2156) in the 20–60 years age group belonging to the nine major tribes; Santals, Oraons and Koras (West Bengal): Santals, Bhumijs and Bathudis (Odisha): Dhodias, Kuknas and Chaudharis (Gujarat). The undernutrition burden was estimated and such risks were analyzed for the women in comparison to the men. The overall undernutrition among the females was found to be 47.4% (95% CI 44.4–50.4) against 32.1% (95% CI 29.3–34.9) among males, indicating about a half of the female population undernourished. The odds of risks for underweight status among females were observed to be high in comparison to males with an odds of 1.9 (95% CI, 1.6–2.2; p≤0.001) for the overall undernutrition category, 1.7 (95% CI, 1.3–2.3; p≤0.001) for the mild undernutrition category, 1.3 (95% CI, 1.1–1.6; p≤0.01) for combined moderate and mild undernutrition category and 3.3 (95% CI at 2.3–4.6; p≤0.001) for severe undernutrition category. The young females were observed with a high prevalence of undernutrition along with increased risk. The 30-year mean BMI trend of the Indian population in comparison to the males, females, and overall tribal population places the tribal females at the highest risk.ConclusionIndian tribes are suffering from the higher prevalence of undernutrition by further highlighting a high gender bias. The health and empowerment of adolescent and young tribal girls needs additional focus. Overall, no remarkable control on undernutrition has been achieved among Indian tribes despite various efforts.

Awareness of pubertal changes and reproductive health in adolescent girls: a comparative study

Background: Adolescent period is characterized by physical, psychological and behavioural changes and girls can show different reactions to these changes. Proper information can help them in handling these changes without any stress. Tribal females are a vulnerable population and lack health care facilities. Limited data is available on awareness of pubertal changes and reproductive health among tribal adolescent girls. Aims of the study were to study and compare the level of awareness about pubertal changes and reproductive health between tribal and urban adolescent girls. Methods: The study population consisted of 200 adolescent girls between 10-19 years age 100 each, from urban and tribal setting. A predesigned questionnaire, which consisted of questions designed to evaluate the awareness about pubertal changes and reproductive health was used for data collection. Data was analysed using SPSS software, student t test, Chi- square test and co-relation test. Results: Mean age of the study population was 13.76±1.2 years. Mean awareness of urban adolescent girls about pubertal changes and reproductive health was significantly greater than tribal adolescent girls. Awareness was more in older age and more literate adolescent girls. Conclusions: Information, education and communication (IEC) campaigns have to be strengthened to increase awareness on menstrual hygiene practices and sexually transmitted diseases among tribal adolescent girls as these are a vulnerable group.

Mesiodistal odontometrics as a distinguishing trait: A comparative preliminary study.

Introduction:Sex determination is a vital step in reconstructing an individual profile from unidentified skeletal remnants. Variations in tooth size are influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Tooth size variations have been reported among different populations.Aim:To identify the sex by determining the mesiodistal (MD) dimensions of maxillary canines.Objectives:(1) To compare the MD diameter of all maxillary canines — (a) in the entire urban and tribal population, (b) in urban male and urban female populations, (c) in tribal male and tribal female populations, and (d) in the entire male and female populations and (2) To estimate the percentage of sexual dimorphism individually in urban and tribal populations.Materials and Methods:Fifty subjects each from urban and tribal populations in equal gender ratio were selected in Khammam district, Telangana, for the purpose of this study. After obtaining informed consent, maxillary study models of the selected subjects were made. MD diameters of left and right maxillary canines were measured on casts using vernier calipers. The obtained data were subjected to statistical analysis.Results:(1) The total tribal population showed a greater MD diameter of maxillary canines than the total urban population, (2) Urban males showed a greater MD diameter of maxillary canines than urban females, (3) Tribal males showed a greater MD diameter of maxillary canines than tribal females, (4) The entire male population showed a greater MD diameter of maxillary canines than the entire female population, and (5) The percentage of dimorphism between males and females in individual groups was found to be significant.Conclusion:The study showed maxillary canines exhibiting significant sexual dimorphism and can be used as a distinguishing trait for sex determination along with other procedures.

Adult tribal malnutrition in India: an anthropometric and socio-demographic review

The nutritional status and socio-demographic profile of tribal people is an important issue in India due to their marginalization from main stream population with respect to varied facilities. However, data on their nutritional status and socio-demographic profile are limited. This review aims to give an overview of the prevalence of chronic energy deficiency (CED) using Body mass index (BMI) and various demographic profile of Indian tribes based on studies published hitherto. In total 76 studies were reviewed for mean BMI based on the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of the public health problem of low BMI, based on adult populations worldwide. The overall sex specific prevalence of CED showed that both the tribal females (52.0%) and males (49.3%) were passing through the critical situation with respect to nutritional status with females being more underprivileged. In conclusion, although there is a gradual increase in knowledge about the nutritional and socio-demographic status of tribes since last decades; there is still paucity of data and information on more than approximately 600 tribes regarding their bio-social profile. However previous studies clearly indicate the need to enhance the health and nutrition status of the tribes by providing job opportunity and food security. Since the prevalence of CED was higher (critical to serious situation) in tribal populations, concerted efforts should also be made to improve the health status and nutrition uptake among them.

Presentation and diagnostic accuracy of fine-needle aspiration cytology and ultrasonography in detecting breast cancer in tribal females of rural West Bengal

Presentation and diagnostic accuracy of fine-needle aspiration cytology and ultrasonography in detecting breast cancer in tribal females of rural West Bengal