Original Research Article
Year: 2023 | Month: September | Volume: 13 | Issue: 9 | Pages: 93-100
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20230916
Food Consumption Pattern and Its Implications on Health of Tibetan Refugee Monks in South India
Tenzin Namgha
Independent Researcher Mysore, India
ABSTRACT
Food is an important aspect of human life for healthy body and mind. The main objective of the study is to understand the food consumption pattern and its implication on health of Tibetan refugee monks in South India. The health status of Tibetan refugee monks in India manifested that Tibetan monks suffer mainly from hypertension, gastritis, tuberculosis, diabetes (type 1 and type 2), and heart disease at an alarming rate. This could be linked to dietary habits contributing for the rising illnesses. The study uses quantitative and qualitative approach for gathering information on demographic and eating pattern using structured questionnaire. Simultaneously, an in-depth interview with monastery meal procurers were collected. 136 individual data were obtained from two majorly populated settlements in Bylakuppe and Mundgod, South India. The result indicated that monks are consuming food rich in carbohydrates, animal fats and less amount of fruits and vegetables. 73% of monks are consuming high amount of aerated drinks on a daily and weekly basis (Coke, Pepsi, mountain dew). 28.7 % of monks are having problem of poor vision which can be attributed to their poor diet. The study also revealed that monks are food insecure and rely on food provided by the monastery which is lacking in nutrients. Also, one of the main contributing factors for unhealthy consumption pattern is due to lack of knowledge and awareness on healthy eating. Therefore, an immediate intervention from Tibetan government, NGOs or primary healthcare centres is necessary for bringing awareness on healthy eating and reducing the negative health implications.
Key words: Food consumption, Tibetan refugee monks, Health, India