Poor health has repercussions not only for women but also their families. Women with poor health and nutrition are more likely to give birth to low weight infants. They are also less likely to be able to provide food and adequate care for their children. Finally, a women’s health affects the household economic well being, and as a women with poor health will be less productive in the labour force. While malnutrition is prevalent among all segments of the population, poor nutrition among women begins in infancy and continues throughout their lifetime.
A study carried out by NNMB (2003) revealed that the overall prevalence of anaemia was observed to be highest among lactating women (78%) followed by pregnant Women (75%) and adolescent girls (70%).
In about 14% of tribal and12% in rural women had dental caries.
The prevalence of goiter was more in tribal women (4.9%) than rural women (0.8%).
Except for other vegetables and roots and tubers, the intake of all the other foods was lower than the suggested level in both the areas.
The intake of income elastic foods such as milk, oils and fats was higher in rural than in tribal women , pregnant as well as lactating women, however, the intake of cereals and millets was higher among tribal women.
The intakes of all the nutrients were lower than the recommended levels suggested by ICMR in rural and tribal areas among the rural and tribal women. The deficit was more with respect to micronutrients such as iron, vitamin A, riboflavin and folic acid.
Participants