Prevalence of malnutrition and chronic energy deficiency among Dokra artisans: First report from Bankura district, West Bengal, India

Abstract

Malnutrition is a critical global public health issue that especially affects vulnerable communities. In India, traditional artisans, such as Dokra artisans in the Bankura district of West Bengal, are disproportionately impacted. This study was conducted to assess malnutrition and chronic energy deficiency (CED) among Dokra artisans across diverse age groups. Demographic and socioeconomic data were rigorously collected, while anthropometric parameters were calculated using established formulas. CED served as the key malnutrition indicator. Data analysis employed MINITAB 21 and SPSS 25, with continuous variables analysed via Student’s t test or ANOVA, and categorical variables assessed using the chi-square test. Significance (p < 0.05) prompted Dunnet's post hoc test for specific mean comparisons. The participation of 122 artisans spanning age groups revealed significant distinctions in nutritional status (χ2 = 42.096; p < 0.001). CED prevalence was higher in males (48.1%) than in females (44.1%). An association between education levels and socioeconomic status was evident (χ2 = 18.509; p < 0.005). Standard questionnaires identified a range of occupational health challenges. This study underscores the gravity of malnutrition among Dokra artisans, calling for targeted health education initiatives within this demographic to address this formidable public health concern in India. Public health interventions should transcend nutritional improvement and extend to marginalized and vulnerable populations throughout India.