The evaluation of the most important anthropometric variables of tribal women of banswara district, rajasthan (india)

Abstract

Indian tribals are a heterogeneous ethnic group. They are at the lowest stratum of the society due to geographical and cultural isolation, low levels of literacy, high levels of poverty etc. This study was conducted to evaluate the most important anthropometric variables of tribal women. Anthropometric measurements (like body weight, height, triceps and subscapular skinfold thickness, mid arm circumference, hip and waist circumference, thigh circumference and calf circumference) represent an important component of nutritional assessment of women. Body measurements also show direct relation with health and nutritional status. Circumferential measurements and skinfold thickeness were found to be better predictor of body fat. A wide variation in skin fold thickness would be attributed to the varied nutritional status. Overall extent of undernutrition (BMI <18.5)was found to be 34.99%. In which 4.16%, 11.25% and 19.58% of women indicate severe thinness, moderate thinness and mild thinness degree of chronic energy deficiency respectively. 11.25% of women indicate overweight and only 0.41% of women indicate obesity