Abstract This study assesses the health and mortality indicators of Birhor children aged 6-18 in the Dharamjaigarh block of Raigarh district. Due to their socioeconomic isolation and nomadic background, the Birhor, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in Chhattisgarh, have serious health problems. The purpose of this study is to examine the health and morbidity patterns among Birhor children (aged 6–18 years) in Dharamjaigarh Block, Raigarh, Chhattisgarh. Materials and Methods: 50 Birhor youngsters (boys and girls aged 6-18) participated in this study. The health state was assessed using anthropometric indices, family literacy, cultural feeding behaviours, and socioeconomic status. A clinical examination and a history of prior illnesses were used to analyse the current illness and study the morbidity pattern. Findings: 32.5% of children were underweight, 22% were stunted, and 24% were thin. The following common morbidities were prevalent: Pallor (66%), skin infections (24%), lymphadenopathy (22%), caries teeth (32%), and conjunctival xerosis (38%). 46% of cases had a history of acute febrile illness (not malaria), 16% had malaria, 16% had jaundice, 16% had envenomation, intoxication, or animal bites, 12% had a history of hospitalisation, and 12% had a history of trauma or accidents. Among the 5–18 age range, there were high rates of morbidity, including 32.5% underweight, 22% stunting, and 24% thinness. Anaemia (66%), conjunctival xerosis (38%), and dental caries (32%) were common morbidities. Data for the 6–18 age group shows a shift toward chronic nutritional deficiencies rather than acute mortality, even though child mortality is still a major concern. Conclusion: Although the health status of these youngsters was not critical when compared to other tribes in other states, this study revealed a high frequency of morbidities in the Birhor tribe.
Sahu et al. (Tue,) studied this question.