Editor- In-Chief: Bartholomew Dean, PhD Title proper: Anthropology Subject: Anthropology Publisher: Openventio Publishers ISSN : 2473-4772 Dates of publication: 2016 Frequency & Medium: Half-yearly , Online Language: English Country: India Indexed by: CROSSREF , ROAD , THE KEEPERS Title DOI of the Journal: http://doi.org/10.17140/issn. 2473-4772
Anthropometric Failure and its Associated Factors Among Tribal Preschool Children of West Bengal, India
Children are at a unique transitional stage of physical and psychological development. The most common problem among preschool children in India is undernutrition. Therefore, the present study assesses the prevalence of undernutrition using the composite index of anthropometric failure (CIAF) and its association with socio-demographic variables among tribal preschool children in West Bengal, India. Methods The present study was conducted among 848 tribal preschool children (boys 430 and girls 418) aged 12-71 months from two districts (Jhargram and Paschim Medinipur) in West Bengal, India. World Health Organization (WHO) standard reference values (2006) were used to calculate Z-scores, and a standard cut-off value (≤2 SD) was used to assess the undernutrition. An odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals was used to assess the risk of developing anthropometric failure (AF). Results Overall, CIAF among studied children is 59%. The prevalence of CIAF with a significant association was observed in the lower age group (χ2=76.25; p<0.001), children who suffered any illness in the last three months (χ2=6.43; p<0.05), low birth weight children (χ2=7.57; p<0.01), and breastfeeding children (χ2=38.61; p<0.001). In the case of the age group, 12-23 months children show more than two times the risk of single AF (OR=2.78; 95% CI: 1.38-5.60), more than five times the risk of dual AF (OR=5.88; 95% CI: 2.27-15.29) and more than eleven times the risk of triple AF (OR=11.86; 95% CI: 4.01-35.08) compared to others. Conclusion Our results suggest that the lower age group, children who suffered any illness in the last three months, low birth weight, and breast-feeding children show a higher significant risk for CIAF. Also, the present study concluded that children increased their risk with increasing types of anthropometric failure (from single to multiple AF).
Composite Index of Anthropometric Failure (CIAF)
The Essence of Intentions in Constructing Agency in the Indonesian Muslim Intellectual Community
Background The Institute for the Study of Islamic Thought and Civilization (INSISTS) is an Indonesian Muslim intellectual organization with agents envisioning the future through writing. From 2003 to 2023, INSISTS agents conducted various activities such as studies, lectures, and writing about various topics continually associated with the Islamic worldview. Despite the fact that each agent’s capacity is different, they act under a shared vision, specifically spreading Islamic ideas and forming Islamic civilization. Each agent has the intention to change the world around him through writing. Objective This paper seeks to examine the intention to imagine whether the future is the main component that forms its agency or it is a component that complements other agency’s components, such as cultural construction and power relations. Methodology This paper is an ethnographic study of the Jakarta INSISTS community, including participants’ observation, in-depth interviews, and researchers’ involvement in joined discussions. As a qualitative research method, this paper also uses a literature study on books written by INSISTS agents. Conclusion This paper shows the capacity of intention to envision that the future is important and has a significant impact on the behavior of everyday agents in spreading Islamic thought. The intention is formed from religious memory, cultural memory, causality, cause and the effect affecting the agent and the agent’s focus on intellectual work such as writing books and organizing in the spirit of ukhuwah Islamiyah or Islamic brotherhood. They also shape this intentional ability with innovation to produce new knowledge through exploratory studies. The writings of INSISTS agents are motivated to carry out synergy between agents in the form of spreading Islamic thought as the basic foundation of the formation of Islamic civilization. Writing books is an example of how agents synergize for the INSISTS community.
Prevalence of Malnutrition using Anthropometric Index among the Sabar Tribal Preschool Children of Purulia District of West Bengal, India
Background It is well-established that tribal preschool children are still suffering from different types of malnutrition. Although data on the prevalence of malnutrition in the form of thinness (low body mass index (BMI) for age) among preschool children, particularly tribal preschool children in India, is limited. Objective The purpose of this study was to look at the anthropometric characteristics as well as the prevalence of malnutrition in the form of thinness using recent age and sex-specific BMI cut-off values. Methods The present cross-sectional study was carried out at seven different villages in the three Sabar concentrated blocks of the Purulia district. A total of 104 (49 boys and 55 girls) Sabar preschool children (aged 2-5-years) were investigated. Preschool children from seven Sabar-dominated villages were investigated. The prevalence of malnutrition in the form of thinness was assessed using an age- and sex-specific international BMI cut-off. Results There were significant age variations in mean weight and height observed in both sexes (p<0.001). The overall prevalence of malnutrition among Sabar preschool children was 80.77%. Boys (85.71%) were more malnourished (low BMI-for-age) than girls (76.4%). Overall, about 37.5% of preschool children were severely malnourished. Conclusion The results revealed that their nutritional status was not satisfactory. Therefore, an appropriate nutritional intervention programme should be taken to reduce the burden of malnutrition among the Sabar preschool children of Purulia district, West Bengal, India.
The Marginal Changes of Occupation Pattern, Education, Health and Social Behaviour: An Ethnographic Insight in the Age of Coronavirus Disease-2019
Background The present paper sheds light on the status quo of ethnographic inquiry during the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The ethnographic data include, through the lenses of smartphones, media coverage (TV news, Facebook, YouTube news- Channels), newspapers, and field observations. According to social anthropology, these equipments (smartphones, tablet and Camera) regarded as the ultimate essential technological devices for investigating human behaviour in a pandemic situation. The present study examines who have changed their occupations and how they have willingly accepted a new lifestyle. In addition, the paper illustrates several changes in daily language, changes in the education system and sector, and changes in kinship behaviour and pattern during the pandemic. Objectives The fundamental purpose of the present study is to enlighten on smart ethnography research and its correlation with the concept of visual anthropology. Methodology The current paper does not contain the typical research techniques or methods used in social science. The data was collected from various electronic sources or media. Hence, it may be said that “content analysis” has been used. The “telephonic interview method”, the “observation method”, and several tools for collecting photographs, such as mobiles, phones, and computers, are essential for the present study. The paper is fascinated with secondary and qualitative data. Conclusion Anthropologists pay attention to ascertaining how the people of the new profession and their family members adjust to the present condition of life. Anthropology is interested in searching for how those people who shifted their occupational pattern to another occupation and how they have willingly accepted the new style of life.
Copyright (c) 2022 Anthropology – Open Journal
Anthropological Research in Public Health Emergencies in India: Current Challenges and Future Opportunities
Background The current global pandemic of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) disease and similar kinds of recent diseases like the Ebola virus and Zika virus diseases urge to renovate the recognition of the need to understand social-cultural pathways of disease transmission. The community members’ emic understanding of sudden health crises may help to increase local people's participation in the public healthcare system. Social scientists, particularly anthropologists, have an essential driver in population response to the disease outbreak due to their subjective and objective abilities to assess these events through the lens of the bio-cultural dimension, even in micro-level communities. In the light of interdisciplinary understanding of diseases in public health emergencies, the importance of the anthropological role is growing demand and advocate to perform fruitful research. This paper provides a brief outline of the basic concept of public health emergencies and the involvement of Indian anthropologists so far through global perspectives. This paper also argues the current methodological challenges, policy shortcomings, and future opportunities for anthropological research during disease emergencies in the Indian context. Objective The objective was to find out the community preparedness and response to COVID-19. Methodology For the present study, both secondary and primary data were used. To obtain the secondary data, a specific literature review was done using the key word “Public Health Emergencies”, combined with “Public Health”, “COVID-19”, “Anthropology”, “Preparedness”, “Response”, “Medical Anthropology”, “World Health Organization (WHO)”, “Pandemic”, “Infectious Diseases” and “India” on PubMed and Google Scholar from April 2020 to September 2021. A manual search for relevant materials, and examined articles from several nonacademic sources (e.g. news, websites, etc.) was also used for the analyzing the facts. To obtain primary data, the qualitative survey was carried out in a Santal village, “Majhi Kadamdih”, located in Balarampur block, 35 km southwest of Purulia district town of West Bengal, India. Conclusion There is an insightful connection between anthropological research and public health emergency, specifically in local people’s preparedness and response during sudden health crises. Based on world literature, it was observed that anthropologists substantially contribute to finding out the social-cultural pathways of emergency diseases and interprets the phenomenon in bio-cultural ways.
Assessing the Occipital Condyles for Age Estimation of Non-Adults
Objectives New methods for assessing age of non-adult remains are frequently sought to improve the ability to correctly identify individuals in for forensic and archaeological purposes. Especially when faced with comingled remains, it is helpful to have a bone appropriate tool for age estimation. Research was carried out to assess the usefulness of the occipital condyles for aging non-adult individuals using metric and morphology analyses. The research population included occipital condyles, both fused and unfused, of individuals of known age at death non-adult from the from the Hamann-Todd Collection, Museum of Natural History, Cleveland, Ohio, USA (N=69); Colecção Esqueletos Identificados, Natural History Museum, University of Coimbra, Portugal (N=113); Museu Bocage, National Museum of Natural History, Lisbon, Portugal (N=60). Length and width measurements were taken then regression was used to analyse the datasets. Three morphological factors were observed including, level of fusion at the synchondrosis intraoccipitalis anterior, presence/absence of billows and presence/absence of depressions. Results Accuracy based on the metric model ranged between 37-71%. The morphological model showed fusion present as early as 3-years of age, with all non-adults over 8-years showing 100% complete fusion. Only individuals below 13-years of age displayed billows or depressions present; presence not absence of the morphological variables can be used to estimate age with a 92% accuracy rate. Conclusion The metric model does not reach an acceptable level of accuracy for use in aging non-adults. Morphology of the occipital condyles do not follow a specific age progression but can be used as a quick age assessment guide; if these morphological features are present the individual very likely between 3-13-years of age.
Kwamteng Deity: A Culture-Historic Perspective in Demshin, Shendam Local Government Area Plateau State Nigeria
Background This paper examines and document the culture-historic and symbolic perspectives of Kwamteng in Demshin, Shendam Local Government Area Plateau State Nigeria. This paper has shown the communal values, norms and the symbolic perspectives of the infamous cult in Shendam. The research argues that in pre-colonial times, Kwamteng was a tool used in measuring moral and worthwhile characters in Demshin. It is shown here that the cult and the deity they worshipped ensured trust, loyalty and fulfilment of agreements between parties. Kwamteng also checked social vices including witchcraft, killing and stealing of peoples property or economic crops. This study shows the significant roles played by this cult within Demshin community, including assisting them out of tough challenges like conflicts (war), financial crises, infertility, sickness and low agricultural produce. The initiation process, initiation items and requirements, mode of worship, items of worship, taboos and other socio-cultural practices tied to this revered cult has been discussed in this work. Also, this work sheds light on its contributions to the socio-political landscape of Demshin. Methods The study also employed the use of archival materials or written documents, oral tradition through oral interviews and ethnography through participant observation, this research has revealed new information on Kwamteng from a culture-historical perspective. Findings Kwamteng has an organized religious system, Sustainable conflict management strategy, cultural heritage management, Kwamteng serves as the security and custodian of Goemai cultural history as well as judicial roles. Conclusion The research has shown that Kwamteng is an ancient tradition in the Goemai area and it played a very significant role in the upbringing of the male child through rigorous training as well as endurance of hardship from a very tender age to prepare the boy from the task that associates the man later in life.
Short Enquiry on Social Anthropology in Mathematics
Mathematical anthropology is a well-known subject of anthropology research nowadays. Mathematical anthropology solves intriguing and significant difficulties in anthropological theory. Several publications and books have published articles or scientific papers by notable scientists on this topic. The mathematical anthropology analysis fast and improvised that particular field exclusively in the framework of kinship. Several scientists have studied mathematical analysis of genealogy, kinship terminology, and culture theory, among other topics, but “Social Anthropology in Mathematics” is a new field of social anthropology, not a replacement for mathematical anthropology. It uses some simple mathematical formulas to explain any social anthropological investigation. The study of social anthropology in mathematics requires the use of simple mathematical formulas. This is the subject of the current brief communication.
The Life of One Patient - Memories of Dr. Paul Farmer (1959-2022)
Doctor Paul Edward Farmer passed away on 21 February, 2022 of an acute cardiac event in his sleep at University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) in Butaro, Rwanda, an institution which he helped found. Launched in September 2015, UGHE is a new kind of university focused on delivering the highest quality of health care by addressing the critical social and systemic forces causing inequities and inefficiencies in health care delivery. That week, Paul had been teaching and treating sick patients, one of which passed away from complications of late-stage acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), a young man in his mid-thirty’s whom Paul had cancelled a trip to Sierra Leone for.
University of Global Health Equity (UGHE)
acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)
Why Denisova Cave is Important for Paleolithic Culture?
The first discovery of Denisovans in 2008, a partial finger bone, provided scant evidence of their skeletal characteristics. Subsequent deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) analyses, however, offered a wealth of information on this hominin population. The DNA sequencing demonstrated that Denisovans coexisted with other hominins such as Neanderthals or Homo Sapiens in the Middle Pleistocene. Genetic information demonstrates that Denisovans was a sister group to the Neanderthals and interbred with modern humans, explaining why the people living in Melanesian islands carry five per cent of Denisovan genes.1 In the past few years, key artefacts supporting the genetics have surfaced stone tools, bone points, tooth pendants, and the like. However, one class of objects is the most significant, the knapped stone tools of the Denisovans. The manufacturing of these tools clearly demonstrates that the Denisovans had been close enough to both Neanderthals and Modern Humans for intercultural communications.
Comparison of Body Composition between Pre-Menarche and Post-Menarche Sabar Girls of Purulia District, West Bengal, India
Background It was known that menarche plays a significant role to change body composition during adolescence. And there is a paucity of information on body composition in relation to pre- and post-menarcheal status on comparative manner among the tribal adolescence girls of West Bengal, India. Objectives To assess the body composition and compare the relative distribution of fat between the pre- and post-menarcheal girls and to explore the impact of body composition on menarcheal status among the Sabar tribal adolescence girls of the Purulia district, West Bengal, India. Methods The present cross-sectional study was conducted from three different blocks of Purulia district during June 2019 to December 2019. A total of 65 adolescence girls were randomly selected from the aged between 10 to 18-years. Among them, 34 girls were post-menarche stage and 31 girls were pre-menarche stage. Anthropometric measurements (height, weight, triceps and sub-scapular skinfolds) were measured. Spearman’s rho correlation coefficient and Mann-Whitney U-test, Binary logistic regression were performed through SPSS version 25. Results It was depicted that significant differences were found in all anthropometric and body composition characteristics between the pre and post menarche state. The mean values of percent body fat (PBF), fat mass (FM), fat free mass (FFM), fat mass index (FMI) and fat free mass index (FFMI) in pre-menarche girls were 14.61%, 4.45 kg, 24.35 kg, 2.33 kg/m2 and 13.08 kg/m2, respectively. Similarly, the mean values of PBF, FM, FFM, FMI and FFMI in post-menarche girls were 20.37%, 8.07 kg, 31.00 kg, 3.70 kg/m2 and 14.29 kg/m2, respectively. The results of Spearman correlation coefficients (r) showed that the body composition measures were significantly correlated with the anthropometric variables except FFM and FFMI among the post-menarche girls. Menarcheal status of the Sabar tribal adolescent girls of Purulia district was pretentious of PBF and FFM. Conclusion The body composition characteristics were significantly different between pre- and post-menarche-state. So, further study in larger augmentation is required to validate the present findings.
Multi-Level Group Selection and its Connection to Empathetic, Community-Driven Pedagogy: A Research Study Framework Proposal
Background Multi-level group selection theory is a presently rejuvenated framework for explaining the empathic tendencies of group culture and behavior as means of beneficial natural selection utility. Purpose The purpose here is to simply articulate the ways in which the anthropological theory of multi-level group selection overlaps with the latest psychological research on child conceptualization of equity and empathy so that a focused line of thought can be followed in subsequent research on how childhood psychology interacts with classroom environs moving forward. Conclusion The impact these studies stand to have on the broader culture of education would be largely equitable, ensuring that all students from all demographics would be encouraged by like-minded teachers to further propagate their applied learning for mutual advantage and benefit while also exciting each other about what they learn by finding shared relevant experiences and desires to make relevant connections too.
Epidemiology of Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Mexico: A Report on Age-Sex Variation in the Duration from Symptom Onset to Fatality as an Outcome in Patients
Objective To describe age-sex differences in the duration from symptom onset to fatality as an outcome in coronavirus desease 2019 (COVID- 19) patients. Methods The Mexican surveillance system database (up to 15th August 2020) of 70,515 death cases (45,053 males, 25,462 females) in COVID- 19 was used for analysis. Age groups for pediatric patients were <1, 1-4, 5-9-years and for the adolescent and adult patients, each decade of life constituted an age group. Results Proportionally more deaths occurred among male patients (64%). Median duration was eight days from onset of symptoms until death; mean value was approximately 10-days. Distribution by age groups showed females survived lower number of average days after the onset of symptoms. A tendency of rise in the number of days survived has been observed from infancy to adulthood and a subsequent decline after 70-years of age. Conclusion Female patients survived relatively lower number of days with infection until death, compared to males.
Copyright (c) 2020 Anthropology – Open Journal
Age Variations and Sexual Dimorphism in Linear Body Segments among Children Aged 2-6-Years of Bengalee Ethnicity from Arambagh, West Bengal, India
Background Sitting height (SH), sub ischial leg length (SILL) and the sitting height/leg length ratio (SH/SILL) are useful tools for assessing human body proportions. They are often used to detect the presence of abnormal growth, especially in school-aged children. Materials and Methods Our cross-sectional study was conducted among 1012 preschool children aged 2 to 6-years from Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme centers at Bali Gram Panchayat, Arambagh, Hooghly District, West Bengal, India. Anthropometric measurements like height, weight, SH were measured following standard protocol. Results There was no age combined significant sex difference in any variable. However, age specific sex differences were there in few age groups. Highly significant (p<0.001) age variations existed in all variables. The body mass index (BMI) was significantly (p<0.01) negatively correlated with SILL (r=-0.443), SILLP (r=-0.302) and UTL (r=-0.346) in both sexes. It was significantly (p<0.01) positively associated with UTLP (r=0.302). Moreover, SILL was significantly positively correlated with UTL in both sexes (boys, r=0.821 and girls, r=0.871; p<0.01), whereas it was significantly negatively associated with UTLP (boys, r=-0.590 and girls, r=- 0.552; p<0.01) in the participants. Conclusion Our results suggest that, in both sexes, there were significant age differences in SILL, SILLP, upper trunk length (UTL) and unified technology learning platform (UTLP). The BMI had significant associations with these variables in both sexes. Moreover, SILL had significant correlation with UTL and UTLP among the participants.
Gender, Creativity and Insanity: From an Anthropologist’s Notebook
This essay has emerged through my research engagements with life history as a research method in anthropology. It is based on the life events of a woman artist. The past few decades have brought an explosion of cultural criticisms and also explorations of women’s creative expressions across cultures. Some of the queries addressed are, how do external forces shape the creativity of female artists. Also, how do creative women respond to such forces? Creative women, then, have a unique relationship to their cultural contexts, as well as to the creative genre to which they respond. This essay also delves into myths related to insanity and women. It discusses creativity, as a mode of engagement with rigid social structures.
In Need of Care but Providers of Care: Grandparents Giving Fulltime Care to their Grandchildren in Rural Uganda
Background In most African countries, the elderly face challenges that affect their health and wellbeing and are more pronounced because of the systemic factors of inadequate health care, food insecurity and the general care. Increasing population of the elderly persons in Uganda is raising concern than ever before. The purpose of this paper to ascertain care available to the rural elderly persons and their role as carers for their grandchildren and implications on their wellbeing. Methods This was a qualitative study conducted among the rural elderly aged 60 years and above in eight purposively selected district that included Lira, Nebbi, Kampala, Luwero, Pallisa, Jinja, Mbarara, and Ntungamo. The study sample consisted of 101 elderly person from whom in-depth interviews were conducted. Data was analysed using qualitative thematic content analysis. Results Rural elderly in Uganda face a lot of constraints that include access to healthcare and information, poor economic status, food insecurity and poor nutrition, and poor accommodation and housing conditions. Two broader themes emerged inductively from the analysis that include care available for the rural elderly and providing care to grandchildren. These themes generated several subthemes. Taking care of grandchildren crippled the elderly and reduced the economic benefits. That said some rural elderly were happy and felt fulfilled to care of the grandchildren despite the lack of resources. Conclusion The rural elderly in Uganda are living in doleful conditions with limited care and support. They need care but are the providers of care to the grandchildren. They are frails and may not afford to provide adequate care. They care for grandchildren many of whom are orphans and vulnerable yet they themselves need care. It is important the government and the community re-enforce this care not to put strain on elderly. The rural elderly unique challenges necessitates special targeting and mobilization of resources at the household, local, district and national levels.
The Concept of Composite Index of Anthropometric Failure (CIAF): Revisited and Revised
Estimation of total undernutrition with summation of Gomez and Waterlow’s three class divisions in Svedberg formulated composite index of anthropometric failure (CIAF) and Nandy’s revised CIAF have underestimated the prevalence of stunting with overweight children and only overweight children. The present report proposes a new scheme which would accurately estimate the prevalence of anthropometric failure (both under as well as overweight). This new classification will help in better estimating the dual burden of malnutrition among children.
pathy, Ignorance or Natural Death? Present State of Museums in West Bengal, India and its Implication for Anthropological Study of Culture and Policy
West Bengal, one of the eastern states of India has the oldest museum in the country apart from housing probably the highest number of museums in India. These museums are showcases of the rich cultural heritage of the country and its development during prehistoric and historical times, artistic and innovative skills of the people, colonial connections and national sentiments. In spite of such a glory and apparent prosperity, the museums in the state are facing a number of problems. It is revealed that many of the museums exist only in name being seldom visited by the common people barring a few connoisseur and researchers. These are run by individual effort and financial support leaving little scope for proper maintenance of objects through appropriate methods of conservation and display. The state neither has a definite policy for the museums, nor does it have any up-to-date data on the number of the museums in the state. It may be said that there is an apathetic attitude and lack of awareness on the both sides of the state and the people residing there. This situation leads to the virtual death of museums when it fails to run its business. What are the reasons behind this situation in which so many museums exist but cannot function up to expectation? How can the interest or involvement with the museums be inspired or inculcated or at least be generated within the people in general? The present paper attempts to find an answer to these questions touching the frames of Foucauldian concept of power and cultural heterotrophy. The discussion deals with numbers, distribution and typology of museums in the state, their historical development and the factors that have contributed to the development of museums in the state, the multifarious roles museums perform and people’s engagement with museums. By way of this discussion, the paper tends to focus on how people conceive of museum and how the cultural artifacts of museum become a site for anthropological study of ontology of culture. The paper ends with a pragmatic note suggesting a museum-policy for the state.
Study of Neck Circumference as a Measure of Obesity in South-Eastern Nigerian Population
Introduction Obesity is one of the key risk factors in the development of cardiometabolic diseases, including coronary heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Objectives The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between neck circumference (NC) with body mass index (BMI) and also with other anthropometric parameter in the assessment of obesity in the study population. Materials and Methods This study was conducted in the major towns (Nnewi, Onitsha, and Awka) of Anambra state, Nigeria. The study population included a total number of 402 subjects (199 males and 203 females) of Igbo origin, within the age of 18-45-years. Anthropometric parameters were obtained using standard anthropometric methods. Results The result showed that the mean neck circumference in males was significantly higher than in females. Pearson’s correlation showed that NC had very significant positive correlation with body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio for both the males and the females (p≤0.05). The strongest correlation was found between NC and BMI, followed by waist circumference (WC). Conclusion NC is a potential, inexpensive, cost-effective, easily measured clinical screening tool for evaluating central (regional) obesity and therefore, will be of importance to Clinicians, and Epidemiologists in the diagnosis/treatment of obesity and in forensic investigation.
Prevalence of Undernutrition and Overweight or Obesity Among the Bengali Muslim Population of West Bengal, India
Background Poor nutritional conditions, as well as excess adiposity levels, are the major public health problems of developing countries like India. Objectives The aim of the present investigation were to assess the prevalence of undernutrition and overweight or obesity and their associations with certain socio-economic and demographic variables. Subjects and Methods The present community-based cross-sectional investigation was undertaken among 420 adult Bengali Muslim individuals (males: 182; females: 238) aged 18-59 years and residing in rural areas of Uttar Dinajpur district, West Bengal, India. Anthropometric measurements of height and weight were recorded using standard procedures and Body mass index (BMI= Weight/Height kg/m2) was calculated. Prevalence of undernutrition (BMI<18.50 kg/m2) and overweight or obesity (BMI≥25.00 kg/m2) were determined using World Health Organization (WHO) cut-offs. The statistical analyses of descriptive statistics, ANOVA, chi-square analysis and binary logistic regression (BLR) analysis was performed using SPSS, Inc., Chicago, IL USA; version 17.0. Results The overall mean height (164.22 cm vs. 152.65 cm), weight (57.03 kg vs. 48.70 kg) and BMI (21.18 kg/m2 vs. 20.89 kg/m2) were observed to be significantly higher among men than women (p<0.05). The overall prevalence of undernutrition and overweight or obesity were observed to be 22.86% and 12.86%, respectively. The BLR analysis showed associations of lower age group (i.e., 20-29 years) (odds ratio: 1.65) (p<0.05) and occupation (odds ratio: 5.61) (p<0.01) with undernutrition. Overweight or obesity was also observed to be statistically significantly associated with smaller family size (odds ratio: 2.09) (p<0.05). Conclusion The present investigation indicates the simultaneous existence of double burden of malnutrition (i.e., both under- and overnutrition) among the Bengali Muslim adults of West Bengal, India. Appropriate intervention programmes are necessary to improve the overall nutritional situation.
The Urgency of Expanding Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for Global HIV Reduction
Globally, an estimated 76.1 million persons have become infected with HIV since the start of the epidemic, with 35 million having died from AIDS-related illnesses. In spite of 19.1 billion dollars spent annually in low- and middle-income countries, with most of those funds going toward the provision of antiretroviral medications, only 56.9 percent of all HIV-infected persons are receiving these medications. While the number of new HIV infections have been declining recently, 1.8 million people were newly infected in 2016.
Very High Prevalence of Thinness Among Rural Bengalee Preschool Children of Integrated Child Development Service (ICDS) Scheme of Sagar Island, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, India
Objective: To assess the prevalence of thinness among 3.0-5.5 years old preschool children of integrated child development services (ICDS) scheme of Sagar Block, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, India. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 656 preschool children (326 boys and 330 girls). Height (cm) and weight (kg) measurements were taken according to standard procedure. The body mass index (BMI) of the subjects were categorised according to the new international cut-off point for thinness proposed by Cole et al. Low BMI for age was defined as thinness and age sex specific cut off values of mild, moderate and severe grades of thinness as proposed by Cole et al. Results: The age combined mean BMI were 13.48 (±0.92) kg/m2 for boys and 13.30 (±1.00) kg/m2 for girls. Sex combined mean BMI was 13.39 (±0.96) kg/m2. The mean BMI showed a decreasing trend irrespective of sex up to age of 4.5 year. Over all (age combined) sex difference in mean BMI was observed (t=2.37; p<0.05) and age specific sex differences in mean BMI were also noticed at the age of 3.0 (t= 2.27; p<0.05) and 3.5 (t=3.02; p<0.05) years. The age combined prevalence of thinness among the boys and girls were 81.90% and 80.61%, respectively. Sex combined prevalence rate of thinness was 81.25%. The highest prevalence rates of thinness were found to be 96.83% in age group 5 years for boys and for girls it was 100% in age group of 5.5 years. The maximum numbers (41.86%) of normal nutritional status individuals were observed for boys at age group 3.5 years and for girls it was 34.00% at age 4 years. Conclusion: The results of the present study clearly indicated that the nutritional status of these subjects is poor because of the existence of high-level of thinness. Findings of the present study would be very useful for the effective formulation of health and nutritional intervention programmes with the objective of reducing preschool undernutrition in terms of thinness. Therefore, appropriate effective measures should be under taken to reduce this high rate thinness.
Integrated child development service (ICDS)
Localised Communities and Mass Healing Practice: The Case of Guangxi, China
Healing, as a way of maintaining health in human beings, has been derived primarily from social and cultural concepts and events. This article investigates what may be termed as ‘mass healing practice’ and the way in which this form of healing has been passed down through generations in Guangxi’s local communities. It examines the environmental as well as social and cultural elements underlying the localised healthcare tradition and analyses how this form of mass healing practice continues to largely exist on its own in present day Guangxi. This article briefly compares mass healing practice with the practice of modern western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine in other social contexts, and presents the argument that mass healing practice and mass healing education developed in Guangxi’s isolated local communities are more elaborately rooted in the social and cultural matrix of such communities relative to the other forms of healthcare practice. This is because indigenous mass healing practices and education in isolated communities are not only related to people’s everyday life, but are also understood, in varying degrees, as community-wide social activities.
Crossing the Loange: Congo Pax Service and the Journey Home – A Book Review
John M. Janzen and Larry B. Graber spent two years from 1957 to 1959 as volunteers on Congo Inland Mission (CIM) stations in the Belgian Congo. This book recounts their adventures on several mission stations, their research into Chokwe (or Cokwe) history, religion, and music in the Kamayala area, and the three month trip they took by car from the Congo to Brussels, Belgium. They tell their story largely through the letters they wrote to their parents and hundreds of photographs of people and places. The title of the book refers to the Loange River that they crossed numerous times, a river that flows south to north through the heart of the territory served by the CIM missions.
Socio-Economic and Demographic Correlates of Overweight and Obesity: A Study on the Karbi Women of Assam, Northeast India
Background: Excess adiposity is a chronic condition that contributes to non-communicable disease (NCD) related morbidities, mortalities and causes public health problems. Objectives: The objectives of the present community based cross-sectional study were to assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity and its socio-economic and demographic concomitants among a group of Karbi women of Assam, Northeast India. Material and Methods: The study was carried out among 600 Karbi married women aged 20-49 years in Karbi-Anglong district of Assam, Northeast India. Height and weight were recorded and body mass index (BMI= weight (kg)/ height2 (m2)} was calculated. The prevalence of overweight (BMI≥23.00-24.99 kg/m2) and obesity (BMI≥25.00 kg/m2) were assessed using the Asian-Pacific population reference cut-offs. Data on the socio-economic, demographic and lifestyle variables were collected using a pre-structured questionnaire. Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity were 17.33% and 14.33%, respectively. Binary logistic regression (BLR) analysis showed that age at the time of interview, family size, ≥4 number of dependent children, alcohol consumption, tobacco use and monthly per-capita income were the significantly risk factors for both combined overweight-obesity and obesity independently (p<0.05). Step-wise multiple logistic regression showed that age at the time of interview (30-39 years) (p<0.01), consumption of alcohol (p<0.05) and use of tobacco (p<0.05) remain the significant risk factors for combined overweight-obesity; and age at the time of interview (30-39 years) (p<0.01), monthly per-capita income (p<0.05) and number of dependent children (p<0.01) for obesity. Conclusion: Prevalence of overweight and obesity is emerging as a public health issue among the indigenous Karbi women of Assam. The results suggest that increase in age, alcohol consumption, tobacco use, number of dependent children and family income were the major predictive variables that increases the prevalence of excess adiposity. Appropriate healthcare strategies and intervention programmes are required to reduce subsequent complications of excess adiposity in this population.
Political Asylum, Anthropology and the Role of the Expert Witness
When I took my first course in anthropology in 1961, I was a student of biology (major) at Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA, USA. When I went to Africa for the first time in 1964 to build a school and teach biology, or when I was studying Yoruba social organization at Temple University from 1966 to 1968, or when I did my PhD research on Nubian ethnography at Northwestern, I had never imagined that this trail through Africa would conceivably lead me to become an Expert Witness in political asylum cases. Probably, in those years there were no anthropology courses on such a topic although law schools dealing with immigration law certainly had a role for this professional need. Indeed, in those Cold War years, immigration was a minor national issue and there was only a relative trickle of refugees coming from conflict zones of Africa and the Middle East.
Second Digit Length, Fourth Digit Length and Second to Fourth Digit Ratio (2D:4D): Relevance in the Choice of Female Footballer Athletes and Female Non-Footballer Athletes in Nigeria
Several studies have shown the importance of anthropometric measurements as a veritable tool in forensic science, crime detection, as well as a means of studying variations in human populations. The present study focused on using digit lengths and ratio to determine sports skills. A total of 270 female subjects comprising of sports and non-sports participants were measured. Seventy of which were non-footballer athletes, 100 were footballer athletes, and 100 were nonsports participants. The second and fourth digits of their right and left hands were measured using a digital vernier caliper. The data obtained from the participants were analyzed by SPSS. Subjects who participated in football also possessed athletic skills, hence both have similar traits. This study has shown that athletic and football skills are similar, as the values obtained from the above parameters were not significant at p<0.05. The results showed that digit ratio is not a good tool for determining sport skills, as compared to digit lengths (2D and 4D). No difference was observed between the digit ratio of the sports participants and those of non-sports participants. Digit lengths (2D and 4D) were found to be significant determinants of sports, with sports groups showing significantly shorter digits. Therefore, the findings of this study suggest an association between digit lengths and sporting abilities.
Second to fourth digit ratio and Nigeria
A Case Study of Durgāpūjā Festival of the Bengali Hindus
Durgāpūjā is the largest popular public event in Bengal. It has also become a feature of identity of the Bengali Hindus. The complex form of divinity with the goddess Durgā at the centre with her 10 arms holding different weapons respectively and slaying the buffalo demon invokes a deep sense of devotion and condenses many symbolic meanings. The author, an insider of the Bengali culture describes in brief the contemporary practice of worship of the goddess in Bengal. Then he passes on to uncover the multiple layers of meanings and functions of Durgāpūjā in Bengali culture with a substantial review of a large number of previous works on this topic. At the end he has tried to understand why Durgāpūjā has become the most important festival of the Bengalis. He attributes this to the semiotic association between Indian categories of culture and the worship of the goddess with an emphasis on collective ethos of life. The study links the post-modern and post-colonial theoretical understanding of space, power, authority, identity, culture industry, public sphere, public and popular culture, simulacra with the more traditional understandings of the economy, polity, hierarchy, Mauss’ total prestation and Durkehim’s idea of religion.
Ceding Control, and Gaining Freedom: Anthropological Research in the Real World
I had just sent the final draft of an article titled “The Real World is a Messy Place”,1 which chronicled a 4 year project to assess the effectiveness of various technologies to aid in the delivery of care to individuals with developmental disabilities and severe mental illness, to my co-authors, when I realized that this was the 20th anniversary of deciding to conduct research with non-academics. It was in 1996, when I ignored the advice given by Chef in Francis Ford Coppola’s film, Apocalypse Now, to “don’t get off the boat” and began to undertake ethnographic research exclusively with non-academics in the real world of care provision. At the time, the decision appeared to make sense since, as an anthropologist, I had conducted fieldwork in a variety of communities around the world, so it was easy for me to rationalize that this first foray into the real world of care provision was just another field site that I would leave at some point. But this didn’t happen as I soon lost sight of the boat, then of the river and eventually got so far into the jungle of the real world that there was no longer a path back to the comfortable and safe world of academic research. I had gone native, it just took 20 years for me to realize it.
Non-Classical Human Leukocyte Antigen-G Allelic Diversity Among North Indians
Objectives: Throughout evolution high degree of polymorphism of human leukocyte antigens (HLA) has been observed which ensured accommodation and presentation of all possible antigens. Non-classical human leukocyte antigens-G (HLA-G) region shows polymorphism at 5′-upstream regulatory region (5′-URR) and in the 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR). These polymorphisms have not been explored extensively in spite of the fact that they have been associated with immune-modulation. This study explores the HLA-G allele diversity and their plausible role in reshaping the global population structure. Methods: Three hundred North Indians were screened using HLA-G 5´URR region by sequencing. The 14 bp insertion deletion polymorphism was evaluated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by polyacrilymide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). Detailed statistical analysis was done to compare the present population with allele frequency data of 12 global populations. The number of populations was restricted as only sequence based typing based studies were considered. Results: The genetic distance, phylogenetic analysis and principal component analysis revealed genetic similarity of North Indians with populations of West Eurasian descent from HLA-G allelic diversity view point. Mongoloid, African, and South American populations revealed less genetic similarity with North Indians. Conclusions: Indian subcontinent has undergone many historical migrations and invasions hence it is intriguing to observe how the conserved HLA-G has behaved from the population diversity view point throughout these years. Our results revealed less genetic distance with Caucasians suggesting an evolutionary link among them.