Exploring the Factors Behind Regional Disparities in Under-Five Mortality in India: Insights from NFHS-4 Biometric Data

Bruce Stilier^*
*Correspondence: Bruce Stilier, Department of Biostatistics, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Spain, Email:

Introduction

The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) is a critical tool in assessing the health and socio-economic conditions of populations across India. Specifically, the NFHS-4 (2015-16) provides a wealth of information on a wide array of health indicators, including maternal and child health, nutrition, and socio-economic data. This research study, titled "Insights from NFHS-4 Biometric Data," aims to explore the regional disparities in under-five mortality in India, leveraging biometric data alongside other socio-economic and health data to identify the key factors contributing to these disparities.

India’s under-five mortality rate remains one of the most pressing concerns in public health, with significant differences in child health outcomes across the country's various regions. The study focuses on analyzing these regional disparities in under-five mortality, seeking to understand how differences in healthcare access, infrastructure, socio-economic status, and other determinants contribute to these outcomes. The ultimate goal is to provide valuable insights for policymakers to formulate targeted interventions to address these disparities, thereby improving child health across India [1].

Description

The NFHS-4 is a nationally representative survey conducted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in collaboration with the International Institute for Population Sciences. It collects data on a wide range of health-related topics, including fertility, maternal and child health, nutritional status, and family planning practices. This survey provides an invaluable source of information for understanding health trends and disparities at both national and regional levels. One of the key features of NFHS-4 is its inclusion of biometric data. These biometric measurements include fingerprinting, anthropometric data such as height and weight, and other health indicators that help improve the accuracy of age determination and health status assessment. This biometric data is particularly useful in reducing errors related to self-reported data, which can sometimes be inaccurate. The inclusion of such data enhances the reliability of the study and allows for more accurate insights into child health and mortality trends across India [2].

India is a diverse country with significant regional differences in healthcare access, infrastructure, and socio-economic conditions. These regional variations have a direct impact on child health outcomes, contributing to disparities in under-five mortality rates. While some regions have seen significant improvements in child survival rates due to better healthcare facilities, increased awareness, and improved socio-economic conditions, others continue to struggle with high mortality rates due to inadequate healthcare infrastructure, poverty, and lack of access to nutrition. The study utilizes advanced statistical techniques, such as regression analysis, to examine the relationships between various socio-economic, health, and biometric factors and under-five mortality. By analyzing the biometric data alongside other socio-economic variables, the study can identify specific factors that are associated with higher or lower child mortality rates in different regions. Several factors contribute to the regional disparities in under-five mortality, and understanding these factors is crucial for formulating effective interventions. The study considers multiple dimensions, including healthcare access, socio-economic status, nutrition, and educational attainment, among others [3].

One of the most significant contributors to regional disparities in child mortality is access to quality healthcare. Urban areas tend to have better healthcare facilities, including skilled birth attendants, neonatal care, and timely medical interventions. In contrast, rural areas often face challenges related to a shortage of healthcare professionals, inadequate healthcare facilities, and poor transportation networks, all of which contribute to higher mortality rates. Socio-Economic Conditions: Poverty is a major determinant of health outcomes, including under-five mortality. Families in economically disadvantaged regions often lack access to proper nutrition, clean drinking water, sanitation, and healthcare. Additionally, low levels of education, especially among women, are associated with higher rates of child mortality. The study examines how socio-economic disparities between different regions of India contribute to variations in child health outcomes. Malnutrition is another critical factor influencing under-five mortality rates. Poor nutrition, both in terms of inadequate food intake and insufficient access to essential micronutrients, is a major contributor to childhood morbidity and mortality. The study looks at regional variations in childhood malnutrition and its impact on child survival [4].

Biometric Data: The inclusion of biometric data, such as height-for-age and weight-for-age measurements, helps to improve the accuracy of health assessments. By assessing the physical growth and development of children, the study can identify regions with higher rates of stunting, wasting, or underweight children, all of which are risk factors for higher under-five mortality rates. The use of biometric data plays a crucial role in improving the accuracy of the findings. For example, the inclusion of anthropometric measurements helps assess the nutritional status of children, which is directly linked to mortality. Height, weight, and age data provide a more objective assessment of child health than self-reported data, which can often be inaccurate.

Furthermore, biometric data can be used to determine age more precisely, which is important for accurate mortality calculations. In the absence of accurate age data, estimates of under-five mortality can be skewed, leading to misleading conclusions. By using biometric data, the study is able to ensure that its findings are grounded in reliable and objective measurements. Understanding the regional drivers of under-five mortality can help policymakers design targeted interventions that address the unique challenges faced by different regions. For example, regions with poor healthcare infrastructure may benefit from investments in health systems, such as improving access to healthcare facilities, training healthcare workers, and providing essential medical supplies [5].

Conclusion

In conclusion, the study on regional disparities in under-five mortality in India, using insights from NFHS-4 biometric data, provides a comprehensive analysis of the factors contributing to these disparities. By considering a wide range of socio-economic, healthcare, and biometric variables, the study offers a nuanced understanding of the drivers of child mortality across different regions of the country.The findings from this research can inform evidence-based policies and interventions that address the unique challenges faced by different regions. By improving healthcare access, addressing socio-economic disparities, and focusing on nutrition and other health determinants, policymakers can reduce under-five mortality rates and improve child health outcomes across India.

Acknowledgement

None.

Conflict of Interest

None.