prevalence of nutritional deficiency among tribal adolescent girls and the impact of dietary intervention on their health status Kodaikanal Region

Abstract

India is a home for cultural and traditional heritage with different group of people. The indigenous group in India is known as tribes with a unique cultural, social and political entity. Tribes are spread all over India over a few decades with a miserable condition. There are numerous programs and policies implemented by the government however they still suffer from various health problems due to their geographical isolation, superstitious beliefs, lack of education, lack of employability, inadequate health care facilities and deprived socio-demographic conditions. The underprivileged living conditions adversely affect the health status of the tribal community especially among the female population. The dismal health condition affects the females in growing period particularly in the adolescent stage. Adolescence is the more vulnerable period in the life cycle that needs special attention. In this period growth spurt increases which raises the nutritional demands. The incidence of nutritional deficiencies increases vulnerability in an adolescent tribal population. newline