Impact of Urbanization on Tribal Health: A Study on Physical Fitness and Lifestyle Diseases Among the Mannan Tribe in Kerala.

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between lifestyle and chronic health conditions among the Mannan tribe of Kerala, India, with particular focus on how urbanization has influenced these health outcomes. Our analysis of 40 tribal members reveals significant positive correlations between elevated BMI and hypertension (r=0.41, p<0.01), diabetes (r=0.39, p<0.05), and chronic disease prevalence (r=0.37, p<0.05). These findings highlight the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in this transitioning population and underscore the need for targeted interventions that address both the nutritional and lifestyle changes accompanying urbanization.