Impact of Mining on Nutritional Status of Women of Reproductive Age Residing in Mining Affected Talukas of Ballari District

Abstract

A study on impact of mining on nutritional status of women of reproductive age was carried out in two mining affected talukas namely, Hospet and Sandur of Ballari district. A total of 140 women were selected from mining and non mining area. Nutritional status of women was assessed using anthropometry, dietary, clinical and biochemical analysis. Majority of the women residing in mining were overweight (24.2%) and obese (18.5%), where 42.8 per cent of women residing in non mining were undernourished. The intake of food and nutrients were significantly higher in women residing in mining area compared to non mining area. Women residing in both mining and non mining area were categorized as mild anemic (10.06 g/dl), but prevalence was higher (55.7%) in women residing non mining area. Prevalence of clinical symptoms clinical symptoms such as pallor skin, lassitude, lack of interest, irritation, anorexia and glossitis were higher (81.4, 82.8, 90.0, 90.0, 45.7 and 82.8 per cent respectively) in women residing in non mining area compared to mining area (58.5, 58.5, 585, 57.5 and 52.8 per cent respectively).