Cross sectional study on Kashmiri tribal population: Their demo-economic status and behavioural risk factors

BACKGROUND: The demographic particulars of Gujar-Bakarwals are mostly dominant on mountainous regions of Kashmir Valley. Their housing, sanitation, health care facilities are very low sub-standard than other sections of population. Behavioral risk factors including tobacco use and skipping meals are prevalent. OBJECTIVE: The present study focuses on the socio-economic and demographic profile among the tribal population of Kashmir; their major risk factors of some non-communicable diseases. METHODS: The study is community based cross sectional survey undertaken in selected districts of Jammu and Kashmir. RESULTS: Around 94.3% of the tribal population fell under low income groups with an annual income of Rs. <25000 per year. Only 37.1% subjects were educated. 61.0% of tribal subjects lack access to pure drinking water and proper sanitation. Interestingly, 63–66% of the population was younger with a high prevalence of smoking among both males and females (33.3% males and 7.3%, respectively). Among non-communicable diseases, diabetes was less prevalent whereas a comparatively higher prevalence of hypertension, dyslipidemia, thyroid dysfunction, and vitamin D deficiency was present with significant associations with the risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: There is widespread poverty, illiteracy, and lack of basic amenities among the tribal people which makes it imperative to address these concerns to improve the socioeconomic disparities and health indices of the marginalized population. Smoking and inadequate consumption of meals was prevalent. There is an urgent need to address behavioral risk factors such as smoking and skipping meals through primary prevention.