DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2018.v06i03.031

Pages: 964-968

Adolescent period ranges between 10-19 yrs of age. Orissa occupies a unique place in the tribal map of India for having the largest number of tribal communities and the state ranks 2nd in terms of tribal population. The adolescent tribal population is always neglected. To assess the general health status of the tribal adolescent girls of the Donghria Kondh tribe, to assess the different factors associated with the health status of these girls and different morbidities, to suggest remedial measures for integrated development of adolescent girls. The study was conducted in Bissam Cuttack block of Rayagada district of Odisha and 93 girls of the adolescent age group who have attained menarche were the study subjects. They were selected randomly in the study area. Out of 93 study subjects 18(19.4%) were in early adolescence and 75 (80.6%) were in late adolescence. 97% were illiterate. Majority had dating experience. Oral hygiene was poor in 93 study subjects.72% had louse infestation and half of them were suffering from scabies. All of the study subjects were anaemic (Hb<12 gm %) and 39% of the girls had low BMI (<18.5). There is an urgent need to improve literacy status, anaemia, sanitation and use of ITBN. We should focus on sensitization of religious leaders on adolescent health.