THE DUAL BURDEN OF MALNUTRITION AMONG THE MISHING WOMEN OF DHEMAJI DISTRICT, ASSAM

Abstract

The present study is an attempt to evaluate the dual burden of malnutrition among the Mishing women of Dhemaji district, Assam, and compare its association with the nutritional status of other tribal women across Northeast India. A cross-sectional study was undertaken among 319 Mishing women of Dhemaji district who were selected randomly. A prior consent was taken from selected women, and a pre-tested semi-structured schedule was used to collect information. Anthropometric measurements such as height and weight were measured using a standard protocol, and body mass index was calculated. The findings reveal that the Mishing women experience both undernutrition and overnutrition. But the prevalence of undernutrition among Mishing women is higher than that of other tribal women. However, both overweight and obesity are comparatively lower than in the other tribes of Northeast India.