ABSTRACT
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.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The Union Territory of Puducherry has a high rate of suicide in India. This study aims to find the prevalence of suicidal ideation, plan and suicide attempts and the risk factors of suicidal behaviours. METHODS: This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among adults aged 18 years and above in rural and urban areas of Puducherry, India. Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale questionnaire was used. Prevalence ratio was estimated to assess the factors associated. RESULTS: The 12-month and lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation was reported to be 12.5% (95% CI: 10.4-15.0%) and 20% (95% CI: 17.4-22.9%), respectively. About 0.7% (95% CI: 0.3-1.5%) and 2.1% (95% CI: 1.2-3.3%) of the participants had suicide plan in past 12 months and ever in their lifetime, respectively. Around 1% (95% CI: 0.5-2.0%) and 5.7% (95% CI: 4.3-7.6%) of the participants had attempted suicide in past 12 months and ever in their lifetime, respectively. Family issues, physical abuse, unemployment and place of residence were significantly associated with suicidal ideation in multivariable analysis. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of suicidal ideation and suicide attempt were very high in the study area. Unemployment, physical abuse and family issues were significantly associated with suicidal behaviour.
