Anthropometric Profiles of Tribal Community in Tripura

Abstract

Introduction: The anthropometric profiling of a population is crucial for any understanding of their biological diversity, nutritional status, and lifestyle adaptations. The present cross-sectional comparative study addressed the anthropometric characteristics of the three major tribal communities of Tripura, the Tripuri, Reang, and Jamatia, while countering the notable tendency to consider tribal groups as a homogeneous unit. Methods: The study involved 120 male participants in the age range of 17–21 years from each of the three communities and applied standardized anthropometric methods. The variables measured included height, body mass and BMI, body proportions, skinfold thickness, and components of the somatotype. Results: The three communities were comparable with regard to age (p = 0.570), height (p = 0.332), body mass (p = 0.598), and BMI (p = 0.386), with mean BMI values across groups being normal. Endomorphic mesomorphic body types along with anthropometric homogeneity suggest similar lifestyle related factors directly associated. Tripuri participants exhibited the most urban sedentary lifestyle, Reang participants preserved functional strength and leanness due to activities in the hills, and Jamatia participants displayed significant upper body strength and muscular endurance due to their warrior background. Conclusion: The study demonstrates the integration of statistical dimensions and natural, cultural, and socio-economic variables are crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the intra-tribal biological diversity of the subcontinent.