Corresponding Author: Dr. Arijit Mazumdar, Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology, P A Sangma International Medical College, USTM Campus, Meghalaya, India. Cell: 9401449750, Email: mazumdararijit17@gmail.com
Background: Ri Bhoi district in Meghalaya, a hilly tribal enclave dominated by matrilineal Khasis, grapples with a dual disease burden amid rural ecology and cultural practices like arecanut chewing and smoked meat diets. Infections from monsoon streams and NCDs—hypertension, diabetes, oral cancers—prevalent due to betel quid, alcohol, and tobacco, heighten maternal-child risks despite strong UIP vaccinations. This cross-sectional survey assessed lifestyle, sanitation, diseases, contraception, and immunization in 316 households to gauge quality-of-life and mortality indices.
Methods: Conducted over one month in Physiology Department, P.A. Sangma International Medical College, post-ethical clearance, the study surveyed 1,919 individuals (683 males, 784 females, 452 children <12 years) across Baridua, Jorbil, Umsning, Jirang, Umling, and Nongpoh in Ri Bhoi. Standardized questionnaires elicited data on habits, hygiene, health complaints, family planning, and vaccination status from semi-rural households featuring gardens, poultry, and matrilineal finances. Analysis used MS-Excel.
Results: Literacy stood at 70%; diets were 99% non-vegetarian (Khasi 96.5%, Christian 95.2%). Age peaked at 30-60 years; families averaged 3-6 members. Sanitation excelled (95.6% toilets), but waterfalls fuelled diarrhoea (512 cases: 17% males, 12% females, 66% children) and respiratory infections. Dermatoses hit 20% females, 64% children; NCDs included hypertension (19.6% males, 18.7% females), diabetes (9-11%), cancers (1-1.5% neck/stomach), and alcohol use (594 males, 465 females). ASHA/ANM dominated care; primigravidae ANC 63%, child vaccination 99%, but maternal gaps persisted.
Discussion: Findings echo Meghalaya's epidemiological shift: receding infections versus NCD surges from arecoline-DNA damage, PAHs, and ALDH2 variants, amplified by low awareness despite literacy gains. High sanitation reflects Swachh Bharat, yet hygiene lapses and PHC bypass signal cultural barriers.
Conclusion: Targeted ASHA-led NCD screening, betel cessation, and water safety promise morbidity compression, aligning with SDG 3 in tribal Northeast India.
Keywords: Khasi tribe, NCDs, arecanut chewing, child vaccination, epidemiological transition.
How to cite this article: Mazumdar A, Choudhury H. Deeper insight into the demographic and health profile of the blocks of Ri Bhoi, Meghalaya: a cross sectional study. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(7s): 116-122; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.7s.15
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None