A study by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has found that underweight has been a major problem among the tribal population of Wayanad district of Kerala where some early reports found high prevalence of Rheumatic Fever (RF) and Rheumatic Heart Disease (RFD).

The project, on ‘Cardiovascular Disease Surveillance’ among the adivasi population of Wayanad launched in 2006, was recently completed and the findings were evaluated. “From the findings of the project it is clearly evident that underweight is still a major problem among the tribal population,” according to sources.

The RF/RHD registry was set up under Jai Vigyan Mission Mode project on ‘Community control of RF/RHD in India.’ The registry has successfully completed the laid down objectives of the study. The highest numbers of RHD cases reported by the registry were females in the age group of 30-44 years. The prevalence of RHD cases in the registry is 0.47 per 1000 population. Only 1 case of RHD was confirmed. “The low prevalence of RHD in school children may be due to lower diagnostic value of murmur as compared to ECHO in community screening,” sources said.

The study was held with the support of Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences in Kochi. The prevalence of various cardiovascular ailments in adivasi population has been poorly documented and the healthcare infrastructure was limited. Objective was to study the distribution and determinants of the cardiovascular disease frequency in the adivasi population and to create a model for performing disease surveillance in difficult to reach areas using telemedicine.

As part of the rural health programmes, the ICMR also held a screening for cancers of cervix, breast and oral cavity in three districts of Himachal Pradesh. The preparatory phase saw the finalization of strategy including quality control exercises, development of manuals, development of health education aids, baseline survey on knowledge, attitude and practices related to the chosen cancer sites, establishment of a population based cancer registry; purchase of necessary equipments, preparation of proforma and forms; establishment of a referral mechanism, and training of professionals and para-professionals.