Burden of Non-Communicable and Hematological Disorders Among Tribal Males in Maharashtra: Findings from the BLOSSOM Study

A BSTRACT Background: Indian tribal populations are increasingly being driven by non-communicable disease (NCD), as well as suffering from ongoing hematologic and oral morbidity. Here, the intention was to examine the prevalence of metabolic, cardiovascular, and hematological disorders among tribal men from Maharashtra, drawing on evidence obtained from the BLOSSOM study by MUHS. Materials and Methods: Among 1,923 male tribal participants, a cross-sectional study assessed anthropometric indicators, blood pressure, lipid levels, screening for diabetes, status of sickle cell disease, bone mineral content, and oral health status. Results: Hypertension was found in 20.2% of the participants, diabetes in 6.86%, and abnormal lipid profiles in 20.22%. Obesity was seen in 4.21%, and osteoporosis in 11.2%. Sickle cell disease (SS pattern) was seen in 10.92%, oral pre-malignant lesions in 16.01%, and sexually transmitted lesions in 4.57% of the participants. Conclusion: The study points to a heavy load of NCDs, hematological malignancies, and oral lesions in tribal men. Focused public health interventions for nutrition, metabolic disorder disease control, and genetic analysis need to be initiated for these weaknesses on an emergent basis.