Indian J Med Res
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Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is prevalent across all age groups in general population of India but studies among tribal populations are scanty. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of VDD in the indigenous tribal population of the Kashmir valley and examine associated risk factors. ⋯ VD deficiency is highly prevalent among Kashmiri tribals, although the magnitude seems to be lower as compared to the general population. These preliminary data are likely to pave way for further studies analyzing the impact of vitamin D supplementation with analysis of functional outcomes.
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Globally, mental disorders are rising with increasing urbanization. India has the world's second-largest tribal population and it is critical to appreciate the mental health problems in this population. However, the extent of mental health issues among tribal populations is unknown. Against this background, we systematically reviewed community-based studies on mental health issues among tribal populations in India. ⋯ : This systematic review established that a few community-based primary studies were conducted on mental health issues among tribal populations over the last three decades. Among these, fewer studies focused exclusively on tribal communities. The studies differed in their study design and the tools used. The findings of these investigations highlighted a limited range of mental health issues, primarily alcoholism, anxiety, depression and suicide.
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Serial national level serosurveys in India have provided valuable information regarding the spread of COVID-19 pandemic in the general population, but the impact of the ongoing pandemic on the tribal population in India is not well understood. In this study, we evaluated the seroprevalence of COVID-19 antibodies in the tribal population of Odisha post-second wave (September 2021). ⋯ This study found high seroprevalence against SARS-CoV-2 in the tribal population of Odisha. The vaccination coverage is at par with the general population, and efforts to address some knowledge gaps may be needed to improve the coverage in the future.