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Growth and nutritional status of the Bharia--a primitive tribe of Madhya Pradesh

Manis Kumar Tiwari1, K K N Sharma, Susmita Bharati

  • 1Department of Anthropology, Dr. H. S. Gour University, Sagar, M. P., India.

Collegium Antropologicum
|June 30, 2007
PubMed

Insights

This study assessed the physical growth and nutritional status of Bharia tribal children in India. Malnutrition was identified using international standards, particularly in boys post-adolescence.

Area of Science:

  • Anthropology
  • Human Biology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • The Bharia tribe in Central India is a primitive community facing potential health and nutritional challenges.
  • Understanding the physical growth patterns and nutritional status is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the physical growth and nutritional status of Bharia tribal children aged 4-18 years.
  • To compare anthropometric data with Indian and international standards to identify growth deficits.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 551 Bharia children (283 boys, 268 girls).
  • Collection of anthropometric measurements including weight, height, and skinfold thickness.
  • Calculation of Body Mass Index (BMI) to assess chronic energy deficiency and nutritional status.

Main Results:

  • Most anthropometric measurements showed uniform increases with age in both sexes.
  • Age-specific BMI revealed significant fluctuations during preschool and adolescent periods.
  • While Indian BMI standards indicated normal growth, international comparisons highlighted childhood malnutrition, persisting in boys post-adolescence.

Conclusions:

  • Bharia children exhibit growth patterns influenced by age and sex.
  • International BMI standards reveal significant undernutrition in this tribal population, especially in boys.
  • Growth monitoring and nutritional support are essential for Bharia children, particularly for adolescent boys.

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