Publication:

Diet and WASH practices in the double burden of stunting and thinness among tribal adolescents in Madhya Pradesh, India

Background Undernutrition is a major public health concern among adolescents, disrupting normal growth and development with long-term health consequences. However, evidence on the nutritional status of tribal adolescents remains limited. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of undernutrition (stunting and thinness) and its associated risk factors among Gond tribal adolescents in Madhya Pradesh, India.

Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 500 Gond tribal adolescents. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices, and dietary diversity were collected using a structured questionnaire. Height and weight measurements were obtained to assess stunting (height-for-age) and thinness (BMI-for-age) according to WHO standards. Binary and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with undernutrition.

Results The prevalence of stunting, thinness, and their coexistence was 32.6%, 31.8%, and 13.2%, respectively. In bivariate analyses, age, sex, family type, personal hygiene index, and dietary diversity were significantly associated with undernutrition. After adjustment, females had higher odds of stunting, whereas males had higher odds of thinness. Early adolescents were more likely to experience thinness and the coexistence of stunting and thinness than late adolescents. Poor personal hygiene was independently associated with all three outcomes, while low dietary diversity remained a significant predictor of stunting.

Conclusions Undernutrition is highly prevalent among Gond tribal adolescents. Poor personal hygiene and low dietary diversity, together with sociodemographic factors, contribute significantly to undernutrition. Community-based interventions focusing on nutrition education, dietary diversification, improved hygiene practices, and regular nutritional screening are essential to improve the nutritional health of tribal adolescents.