Nutritional status and reproductive health of Orang Asli women in two villages in Kuantan, Pahang

The study was conducted to determine the nutritional status and reproductive health of 34 Orang Asli women, aged 16-45 years, from two Orang Asli villages in Kuantan, Pahang Darul Makmur.The results of the study indicate that on the whole, the women's nutritional status is generally not satisfactory.Their mean iron intakes for example, are very low, about one-quarter to one-third of the required level.All their other mean nutrient intake levels are below the required level. Only their mean intake of vitamin C exceeds the required level due to their frequent intake of raw vegetables. Their main source of carbohydrate is rice, while their main source of protein is fish, and their main source of minerals and vitamins are Chinese mustard and cabbage.From BMI measurements, it is found that less than half of the women (42.9%) have normal weight, 35.7% suffer from chronic energy deficiency (CED), 7.1% (one) are overweight, and 14.3% (two) are obese.The accessibility and availability of food are a problem for the women, limiting their choice of varieties of food sources.For their reproductive health needs, the pregnant women rely on the government hospital and clinics for their antenatal check-ups and birth deliveries.Of all the women, nine suffer from menstrual pain and five from vaginal discharge.Food taboos and cultural practices are practised by the pregnant women during their confinement.It is concluded that the nutritional status of the women needs to be improved since most of them have insufficient nutrient intake.