Indian Council of Medical Research-Regional Medical Research Centre, Bhubaneshwar, Odisha, India.
J Health Popul Nutr. 2024 Oct 30;43(1):176. doi: 10.1186/s41043-024-00671-8.
There are 75 identified Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India of which the highest numbers i.e., 13 PVTGs reside in Odisha. Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) are indigenous communities distinguished by their unique cultural practices, traditional lifestyles, and geographical isolation. Their health status is often precarious due to strong traditional health practices, limited access to healthcare, inadequate nutrition, and exposure to community-acquired diseases. This review aims to explore the health status of all 13 PVTGs in Odisha, analyzing 67 studies from various sources/databases between 2000 and 2023. These studies include peer-reviewed published papers, grey literature, and brief reports. The findings showed that nutritional status among PVTGs varies widely while low BMI and undernutrition exist at different rates in different tribes. Deficiency diseases like goitre and anemia, infectious ailments such as tuberculosis and leprosy, and non-communicable diseases like hypertension and diabetes were reported with significant prevalence. Additionally, hemoglobinopathies, oral health issues, eye problems, undernutrition, poor mental health, and various other health challenges affect these tribes. Furthermore, behavioral issues like high tobacco consumption, alcoholism and menstrual health and hygiene disparities are other major challenges. Health disparities in diverse PVTGs arise from socioeconomic factors, cultural norms, and healthcare access. PVTGs face unique hurdles like major geographic isolation and traditional cultural influences which significantly shape their health choices. Addressing their poor health status demands cultural understanding, community engagement, and interventions targeting root inequalities for inclusive healthcare and improved well-being.
印度有 75 个已确定的特别脆弱部落群体（PVTG），其中数量最多的 13 个 PVTG 居住在奥里萨邦。特别脆弱部落群体（PVTG）是具有独特文化习俗、传统生活方式和地理隔离的土著社区。由于强烈的传统健康习俗、获得医疗保健的机会有限、营养不足以及容易感染社区获得性疾病，他们的健康状况往往不稳定。本综述旨在探讨奥里萨邦所有 13 个 PVTG 的健康状况，分析了 2000 年至 2023 年期间来自不同来源/数据库的 67 项研究。这些研究包括同行评议的已发表论文、灰色文献和简要报告。研究结果表明，PVTG 的营养状况差异很大，而不同部落的 BMI 较低和营养不良的发生率也不同。甲状腺肿和贫血等营养缺乏疾病、结核病和麻风病等传染病以及高血压和糖尿病等非传染性疾病的患病率都很高。此外，血红蛋白病、口腔健康问题、眼部问题、营养不良、心理健康状况不佳以及其他各种健康挑战都影响着这些部落。此外，吸烟、酗酒和月经健康卫生方面的行为问题以及其他健康挑战也是主要问题。不同 PVTG 之间的健康差异源于社会经济因素、文化规范和医疗保健的获取。PVTG 面临着独特的障碍，如主要的地理隔离和传统的文化影响，这些因素极大地影响了他们的健康选择。解决他们健康状况不佳的问题需要文化理解、社区参与以及针对根本不平等的干预措施，以实现包容性的医疗保健和改善整体幸福感。
