International Journal of Social Science Research (IJSSR)

Nutritional & Health Status among Reproductive-Aged Women in Bihar, India: A Comparative Study between NFHS-4 & NFHS-5

Women play a vital role in the progress of society, yet they often face inadequate access to healthcare and nutrition, making them more vulnerable to adverse health outcomes. This study utilizes secondary data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4, 2015–2016 and NFHS-5, 2019–2021) to examine the changes in health status among women aged 15–49 years across various districts of Bihar. The indicators of health analyzed include Body Mass Index (BMI); underweight and obesity, anemia, high blood pressure and high blood sugar. The comparison between NFHS-4 and NFHS-5 presented data reveals a decline in the prevalence of underweight women; however, there has been a noticeable increase in overweight across most of the districts, with the exception of very few districts. The data also indicate a rising trend in anemia, hypertension and diabetes among reproductive aged women, posing significant threats to their health and well-being, as well as broader societal development. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted initiatives to raise awareness among women about proper nutrition, nutritional deficiencies, and the importance of accessing quality public healthcare services.