Serum zinc levels amongst tribal population in a district of Jharkhand state, India: a pilot study

Nutritional deficiency of zinc is widespread in developing countries. India has the second largest concentration of tribal population after that of African continent. Limited data is available on the serum zinc levels amongst tribal population in India. The objective of this study is to assess the status of serum zinc amongst tribal population in a district of Jharkhand State, India. Method: The study was conducted amongst tribals in the age group of 18-75 years residing in district Sahibganj, Jharkhand. Two blocks in the district were selected for the detailed study keeping in view the operational feasibility. A semi-structured pre-tested questionnaire was utilized to collect information about their age, sex and other socio demographic details. A total of 944 subjects were enrolled for the present study. Serum zinc was determined by the standard atomic absorption spectrophotometry method. Results: The mean age of the subjects was 34 years. The mean serum zinc concentration of the study subjects was 70.68 ± 26.71 µg/dl. Fifty three percent of the study subjects had zinc deficiency (serum zinc <70 µg/dl). The deficiency was higher in females (61.3%) as compared to the males (38.7%). Conclusion: The results of the present study documented a high prevalence of zinc deficiency amongst tribal population.