ASSESSMENT OF NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF MISING TRIBE IN ASSAM
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Date
2023
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Abstract
The present investigation entitled “Assessment of Nutritional status of Mising tribe in
Assam” was carried out to examine the socio-demographic profile of the Mising tribe,
assess their nutritional status through various anthropometric measurements, dietary
patterns, biochemical markers and clinical parameters, and implement a targeted
nutrition education intervention. To achieve these objectives, a cross-sectional study
design was employed and 384 households were selected for the study. Sociodemographic
data was collected through structured questionnaires, while
anthropometric measurements, including Height, Weight, MUAC and Body Mass Index
(BMI) were recorded. Dietary assessments were conducted to evaluate the consumption
patterns, assess the food and nutrient intake of the target groups. Biochemical marker,
such as hemoglobin levels were measured to identify any nutritional deficiencies .
Clinical examinations were performed to identify any signs of malnutrition , anemia or
related health issues. The Mising tribe's socio-demographic profile reveals a majority of
individuals belong to small families (65.10%) who reside in traditional Chang ghar
houses (66.41%). They heavily rely on agriculture as their main income source
(90.40%) and face challenges such as high illiteracy rates and lack of proper toilet
facilities.The dietary assessment among the Mising tribe revealed various consumption
patterns and nutritional deficiencies. The Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS)
showed that the mean score was 6.5 out of 12, with 59.7% of households having
inadequate dietary diversity. In terms of food and nutrient intake, deficits were observed
in the consumption of eggs, fruits, milk and milk products, fats and oils, as well as
micronutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium. Additionally, there was a high
intake of energy derived from carbohydrates whereas poor intake from fat indicating an
imbalance in macronutrient distribution as per the Acceptable Macronutrient
Distribution Range (AMDR). The anthropometric assessment of the Mising tribe's when
compared to Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), National Centre for Health
Statistics (NCHS), and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, in the case of
height, both ICMR and NCHS standards were not met, indicating a significant deficit at
P< 0.05 in all target age groups . Moreover, the WHO Z-scores of height-for-age
classified a significant proportion of preschool boys and girls as stunted, and the mean
weight of preschool boys and girls, as well as adolescent girls, were consistently lower
than the ICMR and NCHS standardsfurther emphasizing the nutritional challenges faced
by this population. The deficits ranged from 7.3% to 30.2% compared to the ICMR
standard and from 4.8% to 43.1% compared to the NCHS standard. This suggests an
overall underweight status among the Mising tribe, particularly among adolescent girls.
The prevalence of undernutrition based on BMI-for-age was also notable, with
percentages ranging from 14.7% to 26.08% for preschool children and from 6.5% to
40% for adolescent girls. However, overweight and obesity were not prevalent among
this population. The MUAC classification indicated that the majority of preschool boys
and girls were well-nourished, with only a small prevalence of acute and moderate
malnutrition ranging from 6.05% to 15.15%.Various clinical manifestations associated
with nutrient deficiencies.In preschool children, adolescent girls and pregnant women ,
clinical signs and symptoms such as dull and dry hair, pale and dry conjunctiva,
cheilosis, dental caries, and dry and flaky skin were observed due to deficiencies in
vitamins A, C, and iron. Anemia was also prevalent among both adolescent girls and
pregnant women. The mean hemoglobin level (g/dl) of adolescent girls (13-18 years)
and pregnant women of Mising tribe reported to be 10.9 g /dl and 9.3 g /dl with
prevailing symptoms including pale skin, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and rapid
heartbeat. Statistical analysis revealed a strong significant positive correlation between
height and micronutrient intake, including iron, calcium, vitamin C, and vitamin A (p <
0.05). This suggests that the intake of these micronutrients may have an impact on the
height of the target population. Additionally, a strong significant positive correlation
was found between weight and fat intake among the target age groups. Significant
positive correlation was also obtained between hemoglobin level, iron intake and
vitamin C. These statistical findings underscore the significant nutritional challenges
faced by the Mising tribe, encompassing inadequate dietary diversity,
micronutrientdeficiencies and macronutrient imbalance impact leading to stunting,
underweight status, and prevalent anemia.