Fertility and mortality in tribal populations of Bastar District, Madhya Pradesh, India.

Abstract

Demographic analysis of genealogical data, collected in 1983-1984 on 792 households of the 4 tribal populations, namely Muria, Madia, Bhattra and Halba, from Jagdalpur and Konta tehsils of Gastar district of Madhya Pradesh (India) is conducted employing indirect estimation techniques. The results of the study indicate that the total fertility rate of these 4 groups is higher than the Madhya Pradesh rural non-tribal population groups and Indian national population which is in accordance with high tribal fertility levels as reported in some studies from India. The study groups show mortality differentials, but feature distressing mortality conditions as compared to the Indian national population. There are also sex-specific mortality differentials in the present study, with males experiencing higher mortality than females. The trends are discussed in the light of prevailing socioeconomic, cultural, and health care practices among these tribal groups.