Determinants of Nutritional Status among Under-Five Children in the Tribal Population of The Nilgiris, Southern India: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND: The tribal populations in The Nilgiris of Tamil Nadu are identified as particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs) and are “high risk” in terms of health and nutrition. OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study is, among the under-five tribal children, to determine the prevalence of undernutrition and the factors associated with it. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted between March and June 2019 among 605 under-five tribal children. The prevalence of underweight, stunting, and wasting was expressed as proportion; the association with determinants was assessed using log-binomial regression model. RESULTS: The prevalence of underweight, stunting, and wasting was 63% (95% confidence interval [CI] 57–70), 62% (95% CI 54–70), and 31% (95% CI 24–38), respectively. Among them, 29%, 35%, and 10% were severely underweight, stunted, and wasted, respectively. Among 605 participants, 80% utilized supplementary nutrition program of the Integrated Child Development Services; only 21% of whom utilized it as per the ICDS recommended quantities prescribed for different category of beneficiaries. Male child, age >2 years, and illiteracy of father were significantly associated with underweight. Age >2 years and illiteracy of mother were significantly associated with stunting. Male child and low family income were significantly associated with wasting. CONCLUSION: Nearly three out of four children in the community were undernourished. Poverty alleviation programs are required to combat undernutrition among backward communities.