Abstract

A STUDY ON KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF TRIBAL ADULT WOMEN IN PALAMALAI, SALEM DISTRICT

R. Sakthivel and Dr. S. Parameshwari*

Abstract

Background: Study objective was to assess the anthropometric measurement, biochemical, clinical and dietary assessment from the selected tribal adult women. Methodology: Study was conducted in palamali Village of Salem district, Tamil Nadu. Sample of 100 tribal adult women belonging to the age group of 25 to 45 years were selected for the collection of data regarding Anthropometric measurements like height, weight, were measured. Body mass index was calculated for the selected subjects. 24 hour dietary recall method was used to assess the dietary intake of the subjects, life style pattern and nutritional knowledge was assessed before and after Nutrition Education Results: Mean height and weight were compared with standard values and found that height was below the standard values of NCHS (2010) and weight was normal. BMI of the subjects found that, 23 per cent of the subjects had normal BMI and 42 per cent of the subjects had BMI of < 16 and it categorized as severe malnutrition. 21 per cent of the subjects had BMI in the range of 25-29.9 and it was categorized as overweight.14 per cent was indicated obesity. The respondents mean height was 160 cm and the mean weight was 54 kg. Cereals and pulses were consumed daily and green leafy vegetables consumed regularly. Consumption of fruits and milk were poor. Food intake was less than the ICMR suggested RDA except green leafy vegetables and nutrient intake was found to be in adequate except vitamin, iron and calcium. Conclusion: Tribal women of palamalai had very poor knowledge on nutrition, health, hygiene and sanitation. This study helps to gain nutritional knowledge, attitude and good practice of hygiene and sanitation to the adult women.

Keywords: Tribal women, Dietary Practice, Hygiene and Sanitation.