The Bonda tribe of Odisha is recognized as a particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG) due to their unique socio-cultural and geographical isolation, which has contributed to their poor nutritional status and socio-economic conditions. This study aims to assess the nutritional status and socio-economic characteristics of adults in the Bonda tribe and identify the factors contributing to their poor health outcomes. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 420 adults (202 males and 218 females) aged 18–60 years in the Bonda tribe. Data were collected on demographic characteristics, socio-economic status, and anthropometric measurements. The results showed that the majority of adults in the Bonda tribe were undernourished, with a high prevalence of malnutrition, especially among women. The study also found that the majority of adults were illiterate and lived in poor socio-economic conditions. The study identified several factors contributing to their poor health outcomes, such as lack of access to clean drinking water, sanitation facilities, and healthcare services, and reliance on forest resources for subsistence. The study recommends various interventions, such as providing adequate food supplementation, improving access to clean drinking water and sanitation facilities, and enhancing the availability of healthcare services, to improve the nutritional status and socio-economic conditions of the Bonda tribe. It also suggests promoting education and skill development among adults to improve their livelihoods.
