Population Structure and Health Situation of The Mlabri (Tong Luang), Ban Huai Yuak, Nan Province: A Spatial Analysis

Abstract

Mlabri is one of the ethnic minorities in Northern Thailand. This research aims to analyse the population structure, and health situation of Mlabri who settled in Ban Huai Yuak, Nan province. Research results showed that between 2007 and 2016, the average birth rate was 29 per one thousand population. The average death rate was 4 per one thousand population. The average population growth rate was 25 per one thousand population, and the sex ratio in 2016 was 83. Most of the population are children, with the median age of 16.5 years old which is considered as a young population structure. The high birth rate (almost 5 times higher than Nan province) was the results of many factors such as cultural and health (knowledge, information perception, attitudes, beliefs and health behaviors). Moreover, problems about the safety of birth deliveries were also found as women would deliver babies in the forest when they accompanied their husbands to do farm work, or the social value of delivering babies at home, which affected mother and child health as well as birth registration processes. For the cause of deaths, deaths from non-communicable diseases were most found, which was 42.86 per cent of all deaths. Followed by deaths from accidents and communicable diseases, respectively. For health problems and illnesses, it was found that the Mlabri liked to drink alcohol which affected health problems including injuries, and illnesses. In addition, mental health, and behaviors that led to suicide are increasing as a result of cultural, social and economic changes.