Adult body dimension and determinants of chronic energy deficiency among the Shabar tribe living in urban, rural and forest habitats in Orissa, India.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: This study was conducted to examine variation of adult body dimension and prevalence of chronic energy deficiency (CED) with its determinants (socio-economic, nutrient and morbidity) among the Shabar tribe living in urban, rural and forest areas of Orissa, India. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Anthropometric measurements along with socio-economic, nutrient consumption and morbidity patterns of 444 males and 489 females aged 20-60 years were collected from the Khurda and Cuttack districts. RESULTS: Major differences were found in fat mass rather than muscle mass between habitats, and the urban group showed higher values compared to rural and forest counterparts. The highest prevalence of undernutrition was observed among forest-dwelling males and rural females. Gender difference was higher in the rural area. Higher prevalence of CED was observed among illiterates, within larger families, economically poorer groups, those with inadequate nutrient consumption, and those who had experienced morbid conditions. However, sex and habitation-wise, the risk factors associated with CED were different. Notably, economic disparity and morbidity conditions were a significant risk factor of CED among rural females. CONCLUSION: Body fat content was found to be the major difference in body dimension across different habitats and rural women may be a vulnerable group.