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Review
. 2024 Oct 30;43(1):176.
doi: 10.1186/s41043-024-00671-8.

Health status of particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs) of Odisha: a narrative review

Nibedita Bhoi  1 , Subhendu Kumar Acharya  2
Affiliations
Review

Health status of particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs) of Odisha: a narrative review

Nibedita Bhoi et al. J Health Popul Nutr. .

Abstract

There are 75 identified Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India of which the highest numbers i.e., 13 PVTGs reside in Odisha. Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) are indigenous communities distinguished by their unique cultural practices, traditional lifestyles, and geographical isolation. Their health status is often precarious due to strong traditional health practices, limited access to healthcare, inadequate nutrition, and exposure to community-acquired diseases. This review aims to explore the health status of all 13 PVTGs in Odisha, analyzing 67 studies from various sources/databases between 2000 and 2023. These studies include peer-reviewed published papers, grey literature, and brief reports. The findings showed that nutritional status among PVTGs varies widely while low BMI and undernutrition exist at different rates in different tribes. Deficiency diseases like goitre and anemia, infectious ailments such as tuberculosis and leprosy, and non-communicable diseases like hypertension and diabetes were reported with significant prevalence. Additionally, hemoglobinopathies, oral health issues, eye problems, undernutrition, poor mental health, and various other health challenges affect these tribes. Furthermore, behavioral issues like high tobacco consumption, alcoholism and menstrual health and hygiene disparities are other major challenges. Health disparities in diverse PVTGs arise from socioeconomic factors, cultural norms, and healthcare access. PVTGs face unique hurdles like major geographic isolation and traditional cultural influences which significantly shape their health choices. Addressing their poor health status demands cultural understanding, community engagement, and interventions targeting root inequalities for inclusive healthcare and improved well-being.

Keywords: Health disparities; Indian tribes; Indigenous community; Primitive tribal group (PTG); Tribal health; Tribes of odisha.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Status of Population of Indigenous communities in various countries around the world. (Source: The Indigenous World 2024 (38th Edition), (IWGIA), 2024)
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
State-wise demographic details of the PVTG population in India. (Source: Census of India, 2011)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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