Nutritional Status of Scheduled Tribe Women in Beed District of Maharashtra: An Interview-Based Study

The nutritional health of Scheduled Tribe (ST) women is a crucial determinant of community well-being, intergenerational growth, and socioeconomic progress. This study assessed the nutritional status of 100 ST women residing in Beed district, Maharashtra, using an interview-based survey method. Structured interviews were conducted to collect information on anthropometric measures (self-reported height and weight), dietary intake, health conditions, mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), and anemia-related symptoms. The results revealed a dual burden of malnutrition, with 39% women underweight and 38% overweight, alongside a high prevalence of moderate anemia (32%). Dietary diversity was low, with the average Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women (MDD-W) score being 3.8 ± 1.6 out of 10. The findings highlight persistent nutritional challenges among ST women, influenced by socioeconomic disparities, food insecurity, and limited access to health care. The study underscores the need for culturally sensitive, community-based interventions focusing on diet diversification, anemia control, and women’s empowerment in rural Beed.