Examining the Triple Burden of Malnutrition: Insights from a Community-Based Comprehensive Nutrition Survey among Indigenous Tribal Children (0–19 Years) in the Western Ghats Hills of India

Abstract

This article presents findings from a community-based cross-sectional study conducted in Attappadi, Kerala, India, aimed at assessing the prevalence of the triple burden of malnutrition among indigenous children aged 0–19 years. Historically, the indigenous population in Attappadi has faced significant developmental challenges, including high rates of malnutrition, infant mortality, and neonatal mortality. This study revealed alarming rates of undernutrition among children aged 0–59 months, with 40.9% experiencing stunting, 27.4% wasting, and 48.3% being underweight. Adolescent girls also suffered from undernutrition, with 21% classified as underweight and 43.3% experiencing stunting. Surprisingly, overweight or obesity was identified as a nutritional problem, affecting 1.4% of children aged 0–59 months, 4.2% of children aged 5–9 years, and 10.5% of adolescent girls. Additionally, a distressing proportion of young children aged 12–59 months (91.2%) were anaemic, with 50% diagnosed specifically with iron deficiency anaemia (IDA). Nearly all adolescent girls (96.6%) were reportedly suffering from anaemia. Deficiencies in vitamin B12, vitamin D, folate, and vitamin-A were prevalent among 35%, 20%, 16%, and 12% of children aged 12–59 months, respectively. The study underscores the urgent need for comprehensive interventions to address this triple burden of malnutrition. Recommendations include promoting culturally appropriate local food-based solutions, establishing participatory and community-led systems for health and nutrition information dissemination, and strengthening the nutrition surveillance system through village-level health and nutrition workers. By adopting a holistic approach, these interventions can help improve the nutritional status and well-being of the indigenous tribal children in Attappadi.