Nutritional Status of Married Tribal Women in Jharkhand, India

The article explores the socio-economic and nutritional status of tribal married women in East Singhbum district, Jharkhand, by using mixed methods of enquiry. Dietary and anthropometric methods of nutritional assessment were supported by qualitative data. It was found that the most potent reason for undernourishment among tribal women is household food insecurity and low calorific intake. To enhance the nutritional status of tribal women, it is suggested that the issue of malnutrition be addressed with a life cycle approach, along with sustained behaviour change communication with the help of public-private partnerships and the efficient implementation of existing and new programmes to increase purchasing power and food security.