This study was aimed to (1) Assess the prevalence of nutrition deficient
anemia (pandu) in tribal population of the tribal community i.e. Bhilla, Thakar, etc residing in
Javhar Mokhada of Thane district of Maharashtra state in India and (2) To test the hypotheses
and assumptions, that in respect of Anemia, both male and female tribal population is normal and
independent or otherwise. Out of 525 (the total tribal population of Javhar Mokhada), 139 (62
male and 77 female) were included in the study. The study was done to assess the percentage of
hemoglobin ratio difference between both sexes and also at different age groups. Out of total
population of Javhar Mokhada a total of 139 adults of both genders were covered non was found
to have severe anemia. The females were suffering from mild to moderate anemia. The males were
also suffering from mild to moderate anemia. None was suffering from severe type of anemia. This
Low prevalence or no prevalence of severe anemia could be due to the dietary pattern of these
Bhilla, Thakar comunities of tribals. The main diet of the this tribal population was Raagi (Indian
Millet) and Masha (Black gram), which is Balya and Dhatu pushtikara. This diet is also rich in
iron, calcium and proteins. The general observation, that very less population is suffering from
severe type of anemia i.e. 0 males and 1 female out of total sample, a small percentage of tribals
(5 males and 15 females) had moderate anemia. Most of the population i.e. 112 (52 males and 60
females) of collected sample were suffering from mild type of anemia. The diatary habits and life
style of these tribals appers responsible and deserves cradit for less prevlence os anemia in Bhilla,
Thakar tribals of Javhar Mokhada area of Maharastra (india). The same strategy can be applied
in other thickly populated tribal regions of other districts to reduce the prevelence of anemia and
maintain their positive health.
Key words: Anemia, Pandu, Iron Deficiency Anemia, Tribal health, Hemoglobin
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