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564
Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal – Vol.7, No.7
Publication Date: July 25, 2020
DOI:10.14738/assrj.77.8564.
Verma, D. K. (2020). Intertribal Variation With Respect To BMI: A Study On Tribal Women Of Bastar, Chhattisgarh, India. Advances in
Social Sciences Research Journal, 7(7) 564-579.
Intertribal Variation With Respect To BMI: A Study On Tribal
Women Of Bastar, Chhattisgarh, India
D. K. Verma
Govt. J. Y. Chhattisgarh College,
Raipur Chhattisgarh
ABSTRACT
Body mass index (BMI) is the most established indicator to assess
nutritional status. The aim of the present study is to determine variation
between Bhatra and Dhurwa women of Bastar, Chhattisgarh with
respect to BMI and also to evaluate variation in magnitude of BMI in
relation to socio-anthropometric determinants. Anthropometric data
from290 Bhatra women and 207 Dhurwa women of reproductive age
group were collected cross-sectionally and BMI is calculated in relation
to the socio-economic status of tribal women. BMI is determined by
measuring the weight and height of selected respondents by using
standard techniques. Result reveals that Bhatra women are slightly
heavier and taller than Dhurwa women. The mean BMI is found to be
higher in Bhatra women (19.98± 0.15 Kg/M2) than Dhurwa women
(19.70±0.18 Kg/M2). The mean values of mean BMI in relation to
different socio-anthropometric determinants indicate state of normal
nutrition in women of both tribal groups of Bastar except women of
body weight ranged 30-41Kg., sitting height vertex ranged59-66cm and
height vertex ranged 160-178cm. The present study reveals that the
prevalence of chronic energy deficiency (CED) is higher in Dhurwa
women (31.88%) than Bhatra women (27.58%). However BMI
suggested that the prevalence of obesity in Bhatra women (3.45%) is
higher than Dhurwa women (2.90%). The factors like age, menarcheal
age, educational status, occupational status and different
anthropometric determinants showed an impact over BMI magnitude
among both tribal women of Bastar. However statistical analysis
indicates non-significant intergroup differences among them except
women of illiterate group, sitting height vertex ranged 59-66 cm and
height vertex ranged 160-178 cm. Sources of mean BMI of various tribal
women of India indicates that tribal women of Bastar are nutritionally
better and show state of normal nutrition in comparison to them.
Keywords: BMI, Bhatra women, Dhurwa women, Chhattisgarh.
INTRODUCTION
Anthropometric measurements play an important role to assess state of nutrition. World Health
Organization (WHO, 1995) has recommended that anthropometry could be used to assess the
nutritional and health status of adults. Quetlet or body mass index is accepted as one of the best
indicators of nutritional status for adult populations (James et.al.1988; Ferro-Luzzi et.al. 1992;
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Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal (ASSRJ) Vol.7, Issue 7, July-2020
Shetty and James, 1994 ). According to Lee and Nieman,2003, BMI is the most established indicator
and it can be used to assess nutritional status. BMI is generally considered a good indicator of not
only the nutritional status but also the socio-economic condition of population, specially adult
population of developing countries (Ferro-Luzzi et.al.,1992; Nube et. Al.,1998; Khongsdier2002;
Mosha,2003). A steady underweight (BMI ≤ 18.5) is likely to associated with morbidity or other
physiological and functional impairements (James et.al., 1988; WHO, 1995 ). Chronic energy
deficiency ( CED ) is caused by inadequate intake of energy accompanied by high level of physical
activities and infections ( Shetty et. al.,1994). It is associated with reduced work capacity ( Durnin,
1994 ), performance and productivity ( Kennedy and Gracia, 1994 ) and behavoural changes ( Kusin
et. al.,1994 ).
India has variety of tribal population reflecting its great ethnic diversity. They constitute about 8.2
percent of total population though they are scattered all over the hilly and dense forest region of
the country. Women in the reproductive age group are the most vulnerable to malnutrition, owing
to several cultural, social and biological regions. According to Calder and Jackson, undernutrition is
one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in developing World. Inadequate food intake
leads protein energy malnutrition and chronic energy deficiency. Nutritional anaemia is one of the
major problems of tribal women. According to UN, 1994 at least half of the non-pregnant and two
third of the pregnant women were anaemic in developing countries. About 56 percent is the
prevalence of anaemia globally as estimated by World Health Organisation. Anaemia is a major
cause of high incidence of premature birth, perinatal mortality, low birth weight and maternal
mortality.
The health and nutritional problems are most common in tribal women. According to NFHS, 26.7
percent of tribal women had body mass index below 18.5 kg. / m indicating chronic energy
deficiency. Bhatra and Dhurwa are patriarchal tribal groups inhabiting in Bastar region and their
economy is based on agriculture and collection of minor forest produces. The aim of the present
study is to examine the state of nutrition in relation to different socio-anthropometric factors among
tribal women of Bastar and also evaluate the degree of intergroup variation with respect to BMI
among them.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Bastar is known for tribal populations in Chhattisgarh. Bhatra is major tribal populations
comprising about 21.41 percent of total tribal population of Bastar and Dhurwa may be considered
as minor tribal group comprising about o.18 percent of total tribal population of Bastar. Their
economy is based on agriculture and collection of minor forest produces. Racially both tribal groups
may be classified as proto-australoid.
The socio-economic status of women directly associated with their health. Bhatra and Dhurwa both
tribal groups of Bastar follow the rules of patrilocal , patrilineal and endogamy. Socio-economic
status of tribal women of Bastar is somewhat as found in other patriarchal societies. Majority of
tribal women are still illiterate and engaged as agricultural labour.
The cross-sectional study was conducted among Bhatra and Dhurwa tribal women of reproductive
age group 15-49 years in Bastar district of Chhattisgarh during 2017. Data for present study were
collected from various villages of Bastar. A cross-sectional anthropometric survey of 290 Bhatra
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URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/assrj.77.8564 566
Verma, D. K. (2020). Intertribal Variation With Respect To BMI: A Study On Tribal Women Of Bastar, Chhattisgarh, India. Advances in Social Sciences
Research Journal, 7(7) 564-579.
women and 207 Dhurwa women aged 15-49 years were undertaken. Anthropometric
measurements such as height, weight and sitting height vertex were measured cross-sectionally.
Standard anthropometric procedure as described by Cameron,1978 was followed. Height was
measured to the nearest 1mm with anthropometer and body weight was measured to the nearest
0.5 kg with standard weighing machine. Body mass index was calculated for each subject to evaluate
the nutritional status of women of tribal women. Body mass index of women is also compared with
age, menarcheal age, educational and occupational status. t-value is calculated to examine the
degree of intergroup variation among them. BMI is computed using the following standard
equation: BMI = weight in kg /Height in meter square. Nutritional status is evaluated by using
internationally accepted BMI guidelines ( WHO,1995 ). The following distribution are used to
evaluate state of nutrition:
• BMI<18.5 = Under weight
• 18.5 – 24.9 = Normal
• >24.9 = Over weight
RESULTS
Table 1 reveals the mean body weight, height and sitting height vertex among tribal women of
Bastar. The mean body weight is found to be higher in Bhatra women (45.69±0.33kg) as compared
to Dhurwa women (45.00±0.44kg). Bhatra women(151.36±0.38 cm) are observed slightly taller
than Dhurwa women (151.13±0.37 cm) ,which is higher than standard height as set by Medical
Council of Medical Research. The magnitude of mean sitting height vertex is also higher in Bhatra
women (73.27±0.22 cm) is compared to Dhurwa women (73.17±0.24 cm). t-values for intertribal
variation with respect to anthropometric determinants indicate statistically non- significant
differences among them.
Table 1. Mean body weight, height and sitting height vertex among tribal women of Bastar.
Anthropometric
measurements
Bhatra women Dhurwa women t-value for
intergroup
N Mean±SE SD±SE N Mean±SE SD±SE variation
Weight(kg)
Height vertex(cm)
Sitting height vertex (cm)
290
290
290
45.69±.33
151.36±.38
73.27±.22
5.66±.24
6.45±.27
3.83±.16
207
207
207
45.00±.44
151.13±.37
73.10±.24
6.30±.31
5.38±.26
3.48±.17
1.25
0.43
0.52
The mean values of BMI according to age of women is presented in Table2. The value of mean BMI
varies from18.89±0.36 to 21.22±0.54 kg./m2 in Bhatra women and from 18.56±0.33 to 20.70±0.60
kg/m2 in Dhurwa women. The mean value of BMI is found to be lowest among both tribal women
aged 15-19 years (Bhatra:18.89±0.36 kg/m2; Dhurwa: 18.65±0.66 kg/m2). However BMI is
observed to be highest among Bhatra women aged 40-44 years (21.22±0.54 kg/m2) and Dhurwa
women aged 30-40 years (20.70±0.60 kg/m2). The mean values of BMI increases with increase in
age of women from 15 to 44 years. The mean BMI reveals that women of all age groups are
nutritionally normal. However overall mean BMI is found to be slightly higher in Bhatra women
(19.98 kg/m2) than Dhurwa women (19.70 kg/m2). t-value for intergroup variation indicate non- significant differences among them. Mean BMI according to age is also shown in fig.1.