Oral health status and oral health related quality of life in Kodhu tribes – A descriptive cross sectional study

Introduction: In this modern era, a significant group of people is living in isolated hilly areas far away from civilization with their custom and beliefs. They are known as “tribes.” “Kodhu” tribe is one of the major Indian tribes present in the remote areas of Visakhapatnam. The objective is to assess the oral health status and oral health-related quality of life and education level in Kodhu Tribe in residing in Araku and Paderu regions of Visakhapatnam. Material and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among the Kodhu tribal population situated in the Araku and Paderu areas Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The study comprised of 800 participants selected using a simple random sampling technique. Chi-square test was used to assess the oral health status of the tribal population, while, independent t-test was used for multiple comparison of OHIP-14 and oral health status. A p-value ? 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Among 800 participants, 458 were illiterate, and 342 were literate. The prevalence of dental caries was 49% among the illiterates while literates had 50.4% prevalence and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.03). The periodontal status prevalence was found to be higher in illiterates (56.4%). The domains that are present in OHIP were found to be significantly associated with dental caries, periodontal status, and oral mucosal lesions (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The oral health status of Kodhu tribe was found to have high prevalence of the periodontal disease and dental caries. Regular oral examination by dental professionals, dental health education, and motivation to maintain oral hygiene should be insisted to improve the oral health status of this tribal community

Assessing engagement of scheduled tribe communities in the functioning of Village Health Sanitation & Nutrition Committees in India

India is home to the largest population of indigenous tribes in the world. Despite initiative of the National Rural Health Mission, now National Health Mission (NHM) and various tribal development programmes since India’s Independence, disparity in healthcare for Scheduled Tribes (STs) prevails. The constitution of Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition Committees (VHSNCs) in 2007 by the NHM is a step towards decentralized planning and community engagement to improve health, nutrition and sanitation services. VHSNCs are now present in almost all States of the country. However, several reports including the 12th Common Review Mission report have highlighted that these committees are not uniformly following guidelines and lack clarity about their mandates, with no clear visibility of their functioning in tribal areas. Therefore, this review was conducted to assess the participation of the VHSNCs in tribal dominated States in order to know in detail about their functioning and gaps if any that require intervention. Several deviations from the existing guidelines of NHM were identified and we concluded that in order to sustain and perform well, VHSNCs not only require, mobilization and strict monitoring but also motivation and willingness of its members to bring in a radical change at the grassroot level. With continuous supervision and support from both the Government and various non- governmental organizations, handholding, strategic deployment of workforce, community participation and sustained financial support, VHSNCs would be able to facilitate delivery of better healthcare to the indigenous population

Burden of sickle cell disease in tribal students in Maa-Baadi institutions in southern Rajasthan - A pilot study

Background & objectives: Sickle cell disease (SCD), an inherited disorder of erythrocytes, is highly prevalent in the tribal population of India. The tribal population of India is approximately 100 million and it is necessary to identify the magnitude of this problem. Furthermore, the prevalence of the disease is unknown among the five million tribal people of southern provinces of Rajasthan. In this study, we intended to determine the prevalence and characteristics of sickle cell disorder among the tribal inhabitants of southern Rajasthan. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among the tribal students of the Maa-Baadis and hostels situated in the five tribal sub-plan districts of Rajasthan. Maa-Baadi centres are located in every village, whereas for every four to five villages, one hostel is allocated to accommodate the tribal students. The screening for SCD was done by solubility test and electrophoresis was used for confirmation. Results: A total of 36,752 tribal students were screened from 1,006 Maa-Baadi centres and 243 hostels. The prevalence of SCD among the tribal students was 5.8 per cent. The prevalence of heterozygous and homozygous conditions was 5.61 and 0.17 per cent, respectively. Among the five sub-plan districts, the highest prevalence was observed in Sirohi district (10.5%) followed by Banswara (7.42%), Udaipur (6.53%), Pratapgarh (5.51%) and Dungarpur (1.89%). Among the four major tribes belonging to these districts, the highest prevalence was recorded in Garasia tribes (13.81%). The history of leg ulcers and the mean pulse rate were significantly high in SCD individuals. Interpretation & conclusions: SCD is a significant problem among the tribes of southern Rajasthan, with the highest prevalence among the Garasia tribe. The present study recommends that a structured screening programme targeting the entire tribal population with appropriate counselling as well as providing treatment through the existing health system is the need of the hour.

HIV epidemic in Mizoram, India: A rapid review to inform future responses

Background & objectives: Mizoram, a northeastern State of India bordering Myanmar, is home to several tribal clans under the ethnic group Mizo: Renthelei, Ralte, Paite, Lai, Hmar, Lusei, Mara, Thado and Kuki. Mizos also reside in the neighbouring northeastern States of Tripura, Assam, Manipur and Nagaland. The majority of Mizo people outside India live across the border in the neighbouring Chin State and Sagaing Region of Myanmar. Over the last decade, Mizoram witnessed a concerning level of rise in HIV prevalence among the general population. The present rapid review was conducted to identify various interventions that could help curb this rising trend. Methods: An electronic search strategy with broad domains of ‘HIV/AIDS’, ‘key population’, ‘community engagement’ and ‘interventions in Mizoram’ using PubMed, Embase and Cochrane was adopted; grey literature were also accessed. Evidence, thus gleaned, were synthesized. Results: Twenty eight resource materials comprising articles, reports and dissertations contributed to the current review. Changing tribal social support structure, early initiation of drugs, sexual debut at an early age and drug–sex interface were identified as factors associated with the progression of HIV epidemic in the State. Issues pertaining to the migration of people across the borders and easy access to drugs continue to be of concern. Churches and youth leaders have a strong influence on the society, at times even constraining access of key population groups to HIV prevention and care services. Tackling stigma and discrimination, ensuring uninterrupted HIV services and creation of an enabling environment in this context seems urgently needed. Incarcerated people in the State have been found with a high level of HIV infection and their linkages with prevention and care services need strengthening. Interpretation & conclusions: This review underscores the importance of drawing upon successful intervention examples from the past such as ‘Friends on Friday’ and Red Ribbon Clubs. Active engagement of community-based organizations in programme planning, implementation and monitoring is essential. Establishment of harm reduction interventions for general and key populations paired with strategic communication appear to be the need of the hour.

Health status of tribes of Uttar Pradesh with special reference to health-seeking behaviour of uncharted Tharu tribe: A mappingreview

Background & objectives: The tribal population in India is considered as one of the vulnerable groups with respect to their achievements in health and other developmental issues. In this context, this mapping review attempted to understand the health profile of the Tharu tribal community residing in the northern State of Uttar Pradesh, India through literature mining. Tharu tribe is one of the indigenous groups living in the Terai plain on the Indo-Nepal border. In 1967, this tribe was documented as a Scheduled Tribe by the Government of India. The present review aimed to map the health-seeking behaviour of the Tharu population and review other factors pertaining to their health such as socioeconomic, developmental, employment, education, etc. Methods: Online data search was carried out on PubMed and Google Scholar using search terms ‘Tharu’ AND ‘India’. In addition, official reports avaibale in public domain and grey literature was also searched. Results: Twenty seven studies including reviews, articles, books/book chapters were evaluated along with 13 reports (including reports from government organizations and grey literature) were retrieved and analyzed. Of the 27 published reports, 16 were found relevant to Tharu tribe in India. A total of 29 (16 articles + 13 reports ) were included in this review. Interpretation & Conclusions: This mapping review highights the health seeking behaviour of the Tharu tribe in India that can help inform future interventions to improve the health status of the Tharu tribe as well as other aspects of their development.

SOCIO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF SCHEDULED TRIBES WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS THROUGH SELF HELP GROUPS IN TAMILNADU: A VIEW

Entrepreneurs are widely regarded as one of the most important contributors to the economic development of a civilization. Entrepreneurs have long been credited with kicking off and maintaining socioeconomic development. Women's entrepreneurship is a relatively new notion in India. Women have become more aware of their rights and circumstances, and have entered various spheres of business. They have built successful company empires of their own. They contribute to the growth of the economy and the improvement of scheduled tribes' socio-economic situations. Women's empowerment is a priority for the Indian government, and several schemes have been implemented to help women entrepreneurs succeed. Women's participation in the workforce is increasing in India as the country's literacy rate rises. In some Indian states, the concept of Self Help Groups (SHGs) has proven to be a boon for rural women. It has improved not only their ?nancial situation but also their social standing. This paper also provides an overview of the work of self-help groups on scheduled tribes (SHGs) in Tamil Nadu. This article focuses on a variety of themes relating to women entrepreneurs in India, including their issues, challenges, and future prospects

Pattern of Hemoglobinopathy among the Young Tribes of West Bengal: A Completely Different Scenario from Rest of India

Hemoglobinopathy is a major concern among the tribal population which constitutes 8.6% of the total population, and West Bengal (WB) is the home to 5.3 million tribes. The present study was conducted on 52,880 tribal school students from all the districts of WB. Written informed consent and peripheral blood were collected for complete blood count and high‑performance liquid chromatography analysis. Beta trait was 5.3%, sickle trait was 2.35%, and hemoglobin (Hb) E (HbE) trait was 1.4% in this population. About 37.8% of beta trait belonged to the Santal tribe and 21.5% belonged to Oraon. HbS is mainly found in Alipurduar and Jalpaiguri districts at the prevalence of 3.69% and 5.96%, respectively. HbE trait is found at 6.06% in Alipurduar, of which 51% of cases are from Mech tribe only found in this district. Unlike central and Western parts of India, HbS trait in WB was significantly low among the tribes. A high prevalence of consanguinity among the tribes is considered responsible for the high rate of hemoglobinopathy.

Reproductive health status of women in the matrilineal tribes of Meghalaya: a field-based quantitative study

Background: Reproductive health of the tribal women in India is less studied and the present study attempts to fill the gap by understanding the reproductive health of women in the matrilineal tribes in Meghalaya. The objective of the study was to study the reproductive health status of tribal women.Methods: A field-based quantitative study was conducted among randomly chosen 900 tribal women in their reproductive age from the 142 villages selected randomly across 15 PHCs functional in five districts. We used a semi-structured validated questionnaire consisting of the socio-demographic profile, reproductive health status, blood pressure and haemoglobin level.Results: Median age of the 900 respondents was 28.9 years, 83% had primary education and 82% got married between 13-18 years. Over 96% lived with their spouse, and 80% had a monthly income ?Rs. 5000. Their mean age at menarche was 14.3 years, 10% reported menstrual issues: stomach ache, back pain and vomiting. Though 58% planned their pregnancy, 77% had their first pregnancy before 18 years, and 10.3% of respondents had three deliveries within a four-year period. 76% had poor self-rated health, 83% had abnormal blood pressure and 95% reported anaemia. Out of 81 deaths, 69% were infants and 33.3% did not avail medical service from PHC.Conclusions: Reproductive health risks, anaemia and abnormal blood pressure were found among women in Garo tribes. Mitigating the ill effects of reproductive health issues through indigenous interventions as part of the NRHM program is needed.

Review on an ethnomedicinal practices of wild mushrooms by the local tribes of India

Ethnic tribes use wild mushrooms as their traditional medicine as well as food items from ancient times throughoutthe world and its diverse uses will be helpful to prove different medicinal characterization. The main motive fordocumentation of this review work is to focus the ethnomedicinally important wild mushrooms of India, which areused by the tribal or local people of India along with their traditional names, various uses and preparation techniquesfor medical treatments. This review work out to display that there are almost 18 research reports on traditional use ofwild mushrooms as medicine from 14 states of India. This documentation implied that at present there are 100 speciesof macrofungi which are belonged to 56 genera are used by the tribes or local people of India and they use them forcommon illness, various scared diseases, private diseases and also use as herbal medicines. Present findings exhibitthat there are almost 24 modes of preparation for different ethnomedicinal uses. Therefore, there is an urgent necessityto document indigenous knowledge about wild medicinal mushrooms which are used by the tribal peoples belongingto different states of India as well as all over the world.

Socio-demographic and socio-economic profile of tribal communities in East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh

Background: Scheduled tribes live in unique physical, socio-economic and cultural environment isolated from general population. The tribal population is at a higher risk of under-nutrition and Malaria, because of the socio-cultural, socio-economic and environmental factors influencing health seeking behaviour. We made an attempt to study the socio demographic economic variables in the tribal communities of East Godavari district.Methods: A pre-tested questionnaire containing information on household socio-economic and demographic particulars like type of family, religion, caste, age, gender, income, literacy and occupation, was administered by paying house to house visits. All the data were entered into excel sheets and analyzed by using SPSS software 17.Results: 59.25% were literates. 56.25% belongs to monthly income less than 773 rupees i.e. class-5, 74.29% are living in nuclear families. 48.55% belongs to Konda Reddy community. 56.69% have access to mineral water supply. 89.78 – 98.94% does not have toilets in their houses. 43.39% of the respondents have cattle sheds near to their houses.Conclusions: More than half of the tribal’s needs to improve their socio-demographic and socio-economic conditions. Still it needs construction of community toilets or individual toilets in tribal areas

Música: formando tribos, constituindo identidades sociais / Música: formando tribos, constituyendo identidades sociales / Music: forming tribes, constituting social identities

Neste trabalho investigou-se em que medida a construção da identidade social está relacionada à escolha de um determinado seguimento musical por jovens de uma tribo. Com esse objetivo, buscou-se ainda refletir sobre outras questões a esta relacionada, a saber: como se dá o processo de integração a uma determinada tribo por esses jovens? Como eles, por meio de seu grupo, constroem representações dos demais grupos, do seu próprio grupo e de si mesmo? De que forma se dá as práticas sociais desses indivíduos - tanto ingroup, quanto outgroup? Para atender tais objetivos, foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas com diferentes sujeitos de algumas tribos musicais, que posteriormente foram analisadas qualitativamente por meio de categorias de análise temáticas baseadas na Teoria da Identidade Social de Tajfel e que mostraram como a música pode funcionar como compositora de tribos urbanas e consequentemente de identidades sociais.

In this work we investigated to what extent the construction of the social identity is related to the choice of a certain musical follow-up by young people of a tribe. Through this objective, we look for to reflect on other issues related to it, namely: how does the process of integration of a particular tribe by these young people take place? How do they, through their group, construct representations of the other groups, of their own group and of themselves? How do you give the social practices of these individuals - both in the ingroup and in the outgroup? To meet these objectives, semi-structured interviews with different subjects of some musical tribes were carried out, which were later analyzed qualitatively through thematic analysis categories based on Tajfel's Social Identity Theory and which showed how music can function as a composer of urban tribes and consequently of social identities.

En este trabajo se investigó en qué medida la construcción de la identidad social está relacionada con la elección de un determinado seguimiento musical por jóvenes de una tribu. A través de ese objetivo, se buscó aún reflexionar sobre otras cuestiones a esta relacionada, a saber: cómo proceso de integración a una determinada tribu por esos jóvenes? Como ellos, a través de su grupo, construyen representaciones de los demás grupos, de su propio grupo y de sí mismo? ¿De qué forma se dan las prácticas sociales de esos individuos - tanto en el ingroup, como en el outgroup? Para atender tales objetivos se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas con diferentes sujetos de algunas tribus musicales, que posteriormente fueron analizadas cualitativamente a través de categorías de análisis temáticas basadas en la Teoría de la Identidad Social de Tajfel y que mostraron cómo la música puede funcionar como compositora de tribus urbanas y consecuentemente de identidades sociales.

Integrating age old cultural reproductive health practices with modern medicine to bring down morbidity and mortality among Birhor tribes of Jharkhand, India

Background: Among the primitive tribe of Jharkhand, Birhor’s are the smallest group, and have been tagged as 'critically endangered' with population ~5000 (Census 2011). Traditional health care practices, traditional medicines, rituals and supernatural methods of treatment are integral part of tribal community. The main objective of the study was to integrate the cultural health practices focusing on reproductive health with modern medicine so that it impacts maternal and infant mortality.Methods: A three- and half-year study was done in one of the outreach clinical area of Tata Steel Rural development society in Chotabanki village, East Singhbhum, Jharkand, India, among the Birhor tribes.  The study was based on primary quantitative data -Data collection was by interviewing the respondents using questionnaires. Numerous interactive sessions with community members were conducted to learn about their cultural practices related to maternal and infant health.Results: There was a definite change in behaviour in some of traditional health practices, related to maternal and child health. Acceptance of modern health services impacted the health indicators, resulting in increase in population growth by 7.6% with zero still birth, maternal and infant mortality.Conclusions: As medical professionals, extra effort should be taken to understand their cultures regarding health. By establishing a balance between their age-old cultural practices and modern medicine, we may get healthier and résistance free community & success in controlling morbidity and mortality.

Ethnomedicinal Plants Used By Tribes Of Chittoor District Of Andhra Pradesh To Cure Muscular Pain And Inflammation

An ethnobotanical survey was carried out to collect the first-hand information on medicinal plants used by the inhabited and traditionally rich tribal communities (Chenchus, Yanadis and Nakkalas) in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh (AP) for the treatment of muscular pain and inflammation. The information was gathered by an integrated approach of botanical collections, group discussions and questionnaire. The survey revealed thirty forty (34) ethno-medicinal plants belonging to twenty one (21) angiospermic families specifically used for the preparation of medicinal remedies. The tribal claims on the medicinal plants are listed with Latin name, family, local name, part used, method of preparation, dose and its use in pain and inflammation conditions. The habit of frequently used plant were recorded includes tree species (44 %) followed by herbs (35 %) climbers (12 %), under shrubs (6 %) and shrub (3%). Most frequently utilized plant parts were leaves, followed by root, latex, whole plant, bark, fruits, rhizome and seeds. In this particular study the most dominant family was found to be Euphorbiaceae. The result clearly indicates that people living around Chittoor forest area hold valuable traditional knowledge of the use of medicinal plants for their primary health care need related to muscular injury and inflammation. These plant resources are important component in their local livelihood and to control overexploitation of these resources sustainable management approach and proper conservation strategy for the area is also highly recommended by bringing the involvement of local communities and forest department. More in-depth investigations on these claims through phytochemical and pharmacological parameters are required to explore their activities to deal with the conditions of pain and inflammation.

New Faunistic Records of Armoured Scale Insects of Southern Iran (Hemiptera: Diaspididae)

ABSTRACT As a result of recent field work in southern Iran from 2012 to 2016, twenty species of armoured scale insects were collected, representing two subfamilies (Aspidiotinae and Diaspidinae) and 4 tribes including Aspidiotini (8 species in 5 genera), Diaspidini (4 species in 2 genera), Leucaspidini (5 species in 4 genera) and Parlatoriini (3 species in 1 genus). The species Diaspidiotus gigas (Thiem and Gerneck), is illustrated and redescribed from Iran for the first time. In addition, four species are reported and redescribed from south of Iran for the first time: Aspidiotus nerii Bouché, Diaspidiotus armenicus Borchsenius, Leucaspis pusilla Löw, Melanaspis louristana Balachowsky and Kaussari.

Public Health Research and Scheduled Tribes: An ethical lens.

In this commentary, it is argued that greater attention paid to ethical considerations related to doing Public Health Research with Scheduled Tribes (STs) should be prioritized. Given the high levels of health needs among STs as well as their high levels of deprivation, cultural oppression, and impingement on their rights, there is a need to revisit our research practices to contribute to better health and overall empowerment. Specific strategies that could be integrated into research practice are offered. The paper concludes with a call for the development of national guidelines for Public Health Research with STs.

Lentinula edodes based GIS mapping, biometabolites and antiinflamatory activity of wild edible mushrooms from tropical 'sacred grove' forests of Meghalaya, India / Mapas basados en GIS deLentinula edodes, biometabolitos y actividad antiinflamatoria de los hongos silvestres comestibles de los bosques tropicales "bosque sagrado" de Meghalaya, India

AbstractThe biodiversity rich state of Meghalaya, India located in the realms of mega-biodiversity hotspots, is home to numerous species of wild edible macrofungi that are used extensively by the mycophillic ethnic population, as a part of their traditional cuisine and medicine systems. However, habitat loss, due to deforestation and climate change, is destroying the natural population of these mushrooms, depleting their availability to the local communities. In the present investigation, a GIS guided habitat search, using Lentinula edodes as a representative species, was used in mapping the habitats of wild edible macrofungi of the study region. Sampling of around 4 000 specimens per distinct morphological type available in the traditional markets and "sacred grove" forests indicated presence of ten common genera, belonging to nine different families of wild edible mushrooms. Nutritional profiling of the representative species Lentinula edodes was carried out by evaluation of its moisture, total fat, crude protein and carbohydrates contents by standard methods. Similarly, bioactive components determination was performed by estimation of total phenols, flavonoids, ascorbic acid, β-carotene and lycopenes. Bioactivity of the mushrooms extracts was studied using the DPPH radical scavenging and Human Red Blood Cell (HRBC) membrane stabilization assays. The present investigation successfully attempted to explore remote sensing technologies and GIS (Geographic Information System) based system to predict the natural habitats of wild edible mushrooms of Meghalaya, India which we believe will lead to the generation of a mushroom specific non-wood forest resource mapping system in the near future. Results of nutritional profiling and biological activity studies on the representative species of wild edible mushrooms from the studied region revealed that it is a rich source of essential nutrients and antioxidants.

ResumenLa rica biodiversidad del estado de Meghalaya, India situado en los reinos de los hotspots mega-biodiversidad es el hogar de numerosas especies de macro hongos silvestres comestibles que se utilizan ampliamente por la población étnica micofílica como parte de su alimentación y medicina tradicional. Sin embargo, la pérdida de hábitat debido a la deforestación y el cambio climático está destruyendo la población natural de estos hongos, que agotan su disponibilidad para las poblaciones locales. En la presente investigación, se utilizó el SIG para la búsqueda guiada de hábitat usando Lentinula edodes como especie representativa en la cartografía de los hábitats de macrohongos silvestres comestibles de la región de estudio. Alrededor de cuatro mil ejemplares de distinto tipo morfológico fueron muestreados según su disponibilidad en los mercados tradicionales y los "sacred grove" (bosques sagrados) lo que indicó la presencia de diez géneros comunes pertenecientes a nueve familias de setas silvestres comestibles. Perfiles nutricionales de las especies representativas Lentinula edodes se llevaron a cabo mediante la evaluación de su humedad, grasa total, proteína cruda y contenido de carbohidratos. Del mismo modo, la determinación de componentes bioactivos se realizó por estimación de fenoles totales, flavonoides, ácido ascórbico, β-caroteno y licopeno. La bioactividad de los extractos de setas se estudió mediante la captación de radicales DPPH y el ensayo de estabilización de la membrana de glóbulos rojos de la sangre humana (hRBC). Los resultados de estudios de perfiles nutricionales y actividad biológica en hongos comestibles revelan que es una fuente rica en nutrientes esenciales y antioxidantes. La presente investigación ha intentado con éxito explorar las tecnologías de teledetección y SIG (Sistema de Información Geográfica) para predecir el hábitat natural de los hongos silvestres comestibles de Meghalaya, India que creemos dará lugar a la generación de un mapeo de los recursos forestales no madereros, específicamente de hongos, en el futuro cercano.

Contextos culturales, vivencias y experiencias de vida de adolescentes que pertenecen a tribus urbanas / Cultural environment, vital events, and experiences in urban tribe teenagers

Resumen:

Introducción/objetivos: comprender los contextos culturales, las vivencias y experiencias de vida de los adolescentes que pertenecen a tribus urbanas en una comuna costera de Chile. Metodología: estudio cualitativo de trayectoria etnográfica. Se entrevistó a 15 adolescentes de 12 tribus urbanas, que residían en una comuna de Chile. Finalizado el proceso de recolección de datos se procedió a su interpretación, utilizando un software de análisis de datos cualitativos para codificar, categorizar e interpretar los datos. Resultados/discusión: entre los jóvenes entrevistados se destacó la percepción de ser, y querer ser, distinto de los demás. Muchas tribus tienen sus orígenes en otros países, y la pertenencia a la tribu está vinculada a un rechazo a la cultura popular de los jóvenes de la comuna. La ropa juega un papel importante, marcándolos como distinto de los “normales,” les facilita las relaciones sociales entre pares. Los jóvenes se encuentran en un proceso de búsqueda de identidad continua y, en varios casos, el cambio fue motivado por la insatisfacción con el grupo de pares y la música y las fiestas asociadas. Para muchos jóvenes, la tribu urbana sirve como sistema de apoyo en el contexto de poco apoyo familiar, y para distraerse de problemas familiares, pobreza, abuso y violencia. Conclusión: el presente estudio es un acercamiento a las culturas de las tribus urbanas, y recoge importante información sobre las motivaciones y percepciones de los jóvenes tribales. Las evidencias señalan la necesidad de comprender el contexto cultural para modelar las formas de promoción y protección de salud.

Abstract:

Introduction/purpose: To understand cultural environment, vital events, and experiences in urban tribe teenagers in a coastal community in Chile. Methods: A qualitative study of ethnographic path. Fifteen teenagers from 12 urban tribes living in a coastal community in Chile were interviewed. After data collection, qualitative analysis software was used to code, categorize, and interpret data. Results/discussion: Among interviewed teenagers, the perception of being and wishing to be different from others was a significant finding. Many tribes have a foreign origin, and being member of a tribe is linked to a refusal of popular culture in the teenagers living in the community. Clothes play a significant role as a way to show they are different from "normal" people, and help to establish social relationships between peers. Young people are in a continuous process to find their identity and, in a number of cases, changes resulted from dissatisfaction with peer groups, music, and related parties. For many youngsters, urban tribes are a support system in a poorly supportive family, and are a way to set aside family problems, poverty, abuses, and violence. Conclusion: The present study is an approach to urban tribes' cultures, and collects important information on motivations and perceptions in young people belonging to urban tribes. Current evidences show the need for a clear understanding of the cultural environment so that health promotion and protection measures can be successfully applied.

Introdução/objetivos: compreender os contextos culturais, as vivencias e experiências de vida de adolescentes que pertencem a tribos urbanas na área costeira do Chile.

Método: estúdio qualitativo de trajetória etnográfica. Foram entrevistados 15 adolescentes de 12 tribos urbanas, que residiam em um bairro de Chile. Finalizado o processo de coleta dos dados, se procedeu à interpretação, utilizando um software de análise de dados qualitativos para codificar, categorizar e interpretar os dados.

Resultados/discussão: entre os jovens entrevistados, se destacou a percepção de ser, e querer ser diferente dos outros. Muita tribo tem suas origens em outros países, e pertencer à tribo está vinculada a um rechaço à cultura popular dos jovens do bairro. A roupa joga um papel importante, marcando-os como diferente dos “normais” facilita as relações sociais entre os pares. Os jovens estão em um processo de procura de uma identidade continua, e, em vários casos a mudança foi motivada pela insatisfação com o grupo de pares, e a música e festas associadas. Para muitos jovens, a tribo urbana serve como sistema de apoio no contexto de pouco apoio familiar, e para espairecer dos problemas familiares, pobreza, abuso e violência. Conclusão: o presente estudo é uma aproximação das culturas das tribos urbanas, e angaria importante informação sobre as motivações e percepções dos jovens tribais. As evidencias mostram a necessidade de compreender o contexto cultural para modelar as formas de promoção e proteção da saúde.

Malaria situation in India with special reference to tribal areas.

Background & objectives: In India, malaria is a major public health problem in states having predominantly tribal population. The objective of this analysis was to find out the incidence of malaria in various states/districts having varied proportions of tribal population using National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) data. Methods: States and districts were classified into three categories based on proportions of Scheduled Tribes (ST) population as <10, 10-29.9 and 30 per cent + ST population. Five year average (2008-2012) of all important malaria indicators collected by NVBDCP was taken to normalize the effect of annual fluctuations in malaria incidence. Results: State level analysis revealed that ten states/UTs with 30 per cent or more tribal population comprising only three per cent of total population, contributed 14 per cent of total malaria, 21 per cent Plasmodium falciparum and 29 per cent of deaths due to malaria. Similarly, district level analysis showed that districts with 30 per cent or more tribal population comprising about eight per cent country’s population contributed to 46 per cent of total malaria cases, 70 per cent P. falciparum and 47 per cent malarial deaths in the country. Interpretation & conclusions: our analysis showed that the neglect of the ethnic communities in tribal areas would be detrimental to the overall reduction of morbidity and mortality due to malaria. The fight against the increasing burden of malaria in tribal belt requires adoption of multiple approaches and socio-economic development of the tribal communities.

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency among tribal populations of India - Country scenario.

It is believed that the tribal people, who constitute 8.6 per cent of the total population (2011 census of India), are the original inhabitants of India. Glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is an X-linked genetic defect, affecting around 400 million people worldwide and is characterized by considerable biochemical and molecular heterogeneity. Deficiency of this enzyme is highly polymorphic in those areas where malaria is/has been endemic. G6PD deficiency was reported from India more than 50 years ago. the prevalence varies from 2.3 to 27.0 per cent with an overall prevalence of 7.7 per cent in different tribal groups. Since the tribal populations live in remote areas where malaria is/has been endemic, irrational use of antimalarial drugs could result in an increased number of cases with drug induced haemolysis. Therefore, before giving antimalarial therapy, routine screening for G6PD deficiency should be undertaken in those tribal communities where its prevalence is high.

Historical Perspectives of Different Tribal Groups in India.

The Tribal groups are one of the major parts of India. They are supposed to be one of the earliest settlers in the area. Their culture, therefore, manifests some of the oldest tribal traditions in the country. India is the country which has witnessed the most industrialization in the tribal belt resulting in major changes in the tribal culture. But of all the aspects of culture religion is one of the least changeable. For the present study, the author is trying to study the history, cultures and religion of different tribal groups of India.