Nutrition and Health Status of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in the Philippines: Results of the 2013 National Nutrition Survey and 2015 Updating Survey

In the Philippines, there is little documentation about the population size of indigenous peoples (IPs) and more so on their health and nutrition status. This study aimed to address the gap in knowledge on the IPs’ nutrition and health status in the Philippines. Analysis of secondary data collected in the 8th National Nutrition Survey (NNS) 2013 and the 2015 Updating Survey of the Nutritional Status of Filipino Children and Other Population Groups conducted by the Department of Science and Technology–Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) was done. Face-to-face interviews, anthropometric measurements, blood extraction, urine collection, and blood pressure measurements were utilized as data collection methods. Findings illustrate that majority of the IPs belonged to the poorest and poor quintile, had low educational attainment, and were rural residents. The pervasive problem of undernutrition in the form of stunting and underweight was the most pronounced problem among children and adolescents. Overnutrition was prevalent among adults. Micronutrient deficiencies also exist in the form of anemia and iodine deficiency. There is also evidence of inadequate dietary consumption among the IPs. As evidenced by the results – compared with the non-IP individuals and households – the IP population was poorer, had a significantly higher prevalence of undernutrition and iodine deficiency, and had lower adequacy of energy and other nutrient intakes. On the other hand, the selected risk factors for non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, abdominal obesity, smoking, and alcohol consumption were more pronounced among non-IPs compared to the IPs. IPs remain a marginalized sector of society, making them highly vulnerable to the same persistent nutritional and health problems non-IPs experience. Therefore, culturally sensitive and appropriate interventions should be formulated to improve IPs’ nutrition and health status in the country.