Maternal Health Status of Choukhutiya Bhunjia Tribe of Gariyaband District of Chhattisgarh, India

Objectives To assess the maternal health status of Choukhutia Bhunjia and to highlight the health related problems of pregnant and lactating Choukhutia Bhunjia women with regard to anaemia and nutritional status. Methods The present study was conducted at Gariyaband district of Chhattisgarh, India.15 predominated Bhunjia villages were selected for primary data collection for which 114 women (21 pregnant and 93 lactating women) were selected by census survey method. Structured interview schedule, semi-participatory observation technique were used for data collection. Anthropometric measurements viz. height and weight were taken (Weiner & Lourie, 1981). Hemocue 301was used for assessment of haemoglobin level. Results Prevalence of anaemia was observed to be very high among lactating and pregnant Choukhutiya Bhunjia women.64.92 % lactating women were found to be under underweight category and only 4.39 % under over weight. Pearson correlation between BMI and anaemia was observed to be positively correlated. Conclusion Maternal health of Bhunjia women were observed to be very low. The prevalence of anaemia was noted to be very high among the Bhunjia women. Quality of maternal nutrition and lack of health services might be responsible for the low maternal health of the Bhunjia women. Good antenatal, intranatal and post natal care and enhancement of health care delivery system might be helpful in upliftment of maternal health status of Choukhutia Bhunjia women.