Trends of the prevalence of malnutrition in India and Himachal Pradesh, a comparative assessment

Abstract

Introduction: Malnutrition poses a significant threat to child health, with approximately 45% of under-five child deaths attributed to malnutrition, predominantly affecting low- and middle-income countries. This study delves into the trends of malnutrition in India and Himachal Pradesh, examining the interplay between infection and malnutrition and the escalating concern of overweight in developing countries. Objective:To compare malnutrition rates among under-5 children in Himachal Pradesh and India, utilizing data from the National Family Health Survey rounds (NFHS-3, NFHS-4, and NFHS-5). Additionally, the research seeks to identify districts in Himachal Pradesh with the poorest malnutrition indicators. Materials and Methods: A narrative description methodology is employed, utilizing NFHS fact sheets for India and Himachal Pradesh. The comparative analysis focuses on under-5 malnutrition indicators, including stunting, wasting, severe wasting,underweight, and overweight, with percentage distribution graphs for visual representation. Results: Wasting prevalence in Himachal Pradesh decreased from 19% in 2005 to 13.7% in 2015 but rose to 17.4% in 2019, with Kangra district showing a significant increase. Severe wasting increased in both India and Himachal Pradesh. Stunting decreased in India but increased in Himachal Pradesh, notably in Bilaspur district. Underweight declined in India but increased in Himachal Pradesh, primarily in Bilaspur district. Overweight showed an increasing trend in both India and Himachal Pradesh. Conclusion: Malnutrition,encompassing undernutrition and overnutrition, is escalating in India and Himachal Pradesh. While India exhibits declining trends in undernutrition, severe wasting is on the rise. Himachal Pradesh initially showed improvement but experienced a recent upturn in malnutrition indicators. Both regions face alarming rates of stunting and wasting, categorizing them as "very high" by United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) standards. Despite various programs, efforts to alleviate child malnutrition have faltered.