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May 29, 2026Open Access

Assessment of health and mortality rates in children aged 6 to 18 years in Birhor: A primitive tribe of Dharamjaigarh, Raigarh, Chhattisgarh

JSJyoti SahuPandit Ravishankar Shukla University LPLokesh PatelGovernment Medical College

Key Points

The study aims to assess health and morbidity patterns among Birhor children aged 6-18 years in Dharamjaigarh, Raigarh.
Assessed health using anthropometric indices and socioeconomic factors among 50 Birhor children.
Conducted clinical examinations and reviewed histories of prior illnesses to analyze morbidity patterns.
Examined family literacy and cultural feeding behaviors as part of the assessment.
32.5% of children were underweight, and 22% were stunted.
Common morbidities included anaemia (66%), conjunctival xerosis (38%), and dental caries (32%).
The study indicates a shift towards chronic nutritional deficiencies among children in the 6-18 age range.

Abstract

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.

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