Dietary behaviour and anthropometric parameters across the spectrum of pregnant and lactating mother, infant, young children, adolescent girls and reproductive age group females: An assessment of undernutrition among KOL tribe

Introduction: The Kol is an ancient tribal community, who resides in the backward Bundelkhand and Baghelkhand regions bordering UP and MP. Reports claim the high level of exploitation and marginalisation of them by feudal landed landlords. Due to the dearth of studies on Kol community their plight hasn't been addressed effectively so far. Thus, this study was undertaken to assess the dietary behaviour and anthropometric parameters across the spectrum of Maternal, Lactating, Infant, Young Children, Adolescent girls, and reproductive-age women (MIYC-AR) of Kol Community.

Methodology: It was a descriptive observational cross-sectional study, conducted over a period of 6 months; in hard to reach area of Manikpur block, Mangawa, in Chitrakoot district. Pregnant, lactating mothers, infant, young children, adolescent and reproductive age females who were found eligible, were included in the study. A total of 180 participants (30 from each group) were recruited by non-probability purposive sampling. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information regarding Iron folic acid and calcium intake, frequency of major meals and snacks, feeding history of infant and young child. Weight, height, head circumference and mid upper arm circumference were noted and the participants were classified accordingly. Statistical analysis was done using STATA version 13 software.

Results: Only 36% and 30% of the pregnant and lactating mother, respectively, consumed IFA and calcium. The mean diet diversity score was inadequate for all the groups. Maximum among adolescents (70%) and half of the reproductive age group female (50%) were underweight. More than half of the infants (57%) were found to be malnourished on MUAC measurement, while the similar proportion among young children were found to be normal (p < 0.001). Half of the young children had timely initiation of complimentary feeding. But, none among young children received Vitamin A syrup.

Conclusion: Significant higher prevalence of malnutrition was found among infants, adolescents, and reproductive age group females. Strengthening the public distribution system and rigorous supplementary nutrition services through ICDS are the priority intervention needed to address the poor nutritional status of tribe.