The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 19th March 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Violence, homelessness, and women’s mental health

Why in News?

The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) presents a sobering picture of the pervasive violence against women in India. Almost 30% of women between the ages of 18-49 years have experienced physical violence beginning at age 15.6% reported sexual violence. Evidence indicates that violence and mental health conditions have a reciprocal, cause-and-effect relationship, and both factors significantly heighten the risk of homelessness. In the three decades of working with homeless women with mental health conditions at The Banyan, we have witnessed this recursive interaction between violence against women, homelessness, and mental health almost universally.

Overview

• The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) is a comprehensive survey carried out in a diverse range of households across India. Its main aim is to furnish the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) with detailed and trustworthy information regarding various health and family welfare matters. This data is then utilized by the MOHFW to devise and execute policies and initiatives aimed at enhancing the well-being of the nation's vulnerable segments.
• The initial NFHS was conducted in 1992-93, followed by four subsequent rounds to date.

More on Preventive Healthcare

• Preventive healthcare is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, focusing on strategies and practices that aim to prevent diseases and promote health before they occur. Examples include vaccinations, regular health check-ups, and maintaining a balanced diet.

About the National Family Health Survey

The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) is a study overseen by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in collaboration with the International Institute for Population Sciences. It serves as a comprehensive government-backed research initiative aimed at gathering reliable and current data on various health and family welfare aspects in India. The survey primarily focuses on aspects like fertility, family planning, mortality, maternal and child health, and other significant health indicators.

History of the National Family Health Survey

• The inaugural round of the NFHS occurred during 1992-93, spanning three phases. Its primary goal was to collect precise and contemporary data concerning fertility, family planning, mortality, and maternal and child health.
• Subsequently, three additional rounds of the survey were conducted between 1998 and 2016.
• The most recent iteration, NFHS-5, commenced in 2019 but faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of NFHS-5 were disclosed in December 2020.
• Following the NFHS-5 outcomes, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare formed a technical expert group to address concerns related to malnutrition, stunting, anemia, and C-sections.

Objectives of the National Family Health Survey

• Fertility Rates: NFHS aims to collect data on the number of children born per woman to understand population trends.
• Maternal and Child Health: This involves assessing the well-being of mothers and children, including healthcare services and support.
• Reproductive Health: NFHS focuses on aspects related to reproductive processes, services, and awareness.
• Nutrition Levels: Understanding the dietary intake and nutritional status of individuals, especially women and children.
• Prevalence of Anaemia: Examining the occurrence of a common blood disorder and its impact on health.
• Infant and Child Mortality Rates: NFHS gathers data on the number of child deaths to improve child survival and health.
• Family Planning Practices: Investigating the methods and prevalence of family planning to promote reproductive health and informed choices.

List of National Family Health Surveys

To date, there have been five rounds of the National Family Health Survey. Here is a breakdown of the years in which each round took place:

• National Family Health Survey 1 - 1992-93
• National Family Health Survey 2 - 1998-99
• National Family Health Survey 3 - 2005-06
• National Family Health Survey 4 - 2015-16
• National Family Health Survey 5 - 2018-19

National Family Health Survey 5

The fifth round of the National Family Health Survey, referred to as NFHS 5, is the most recent cycle of this extensive survey. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in partnership with the International Institute for Population Sciences in Mumbai and a group of survey organizations and Population Research Centers, is supervising its implementation. Financial backing is provided by the United States Agency for International Development, with technical support from ICF International.

NFHS-5 was conducted during the 2019-20 period, with approximately seven lakh households taking part in the survey. The survey employed 67 indicators to collect a broad spectrum of data. These indicators encompassed various aspects, such as:

• Socio-economic status
• Maternal health
• Child nutrition
• Immunization coverage
• Family planning practices
• Prevalence of anemia
• Antenatal care utilization
• Infant and child mortality rates
• Water and sanitation access

Key Findings of the National Family Health Survey 5 (NFHS 5)

• Child Marriages: An increase in child marriages was observed in Manipur (16.3% up from 13.7% in 2015-16), Tripura (40.1% up from 33.1% in 2015-16), and Assam (31.8% up from 30.8% in 2015-16). Additionally, states such as Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Tripura, Manipur, and Nagaland reported an increase in teenage pregnancies.
• Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB): The SRB fell below 900 in Telangana, Himachal Pradesh, Goa, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu. However, the majority of states had a normal or above-normal SRB of 952 or higher.
• Infant & Child Mortalities: Most Indian states saw a decrease in infant and child mortality rates. Sikkim, Jammu & Kashmir, Goa and Assam made the most significant improvements, with sharp reductions in neonatal mortality rate (NMR), infant mortality rate (IMR) and under-five mortality rate (U5MR).
• Spousal Violence: Five states, namely Sikkim, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Assam and Karnataka, saw an increase in spousal violence. Karnataka experienced the most significant increase, with spousal violence rates rising from 20.6% in NFHS 4 to 44.4% in NFHS-5.
• Child Nutrition: The indicators for child nutrition showed a mixed pattern across states. While some states and Union Territories saw improvements, others experienced minor deteriorations.