Prevalence of Anaemia in India: A comparative evidence-based study from National Family Health Survey-3 and - 4.

Data based on family health and nutrition in India are reported by the national surveys of the country. The National Family Health Survey 3 (NFHS-3) and 4 (NFHS-4) released the report of 2005-06 and 2015-16. The NFHS-5 also released the data set for 22 states and union territories for the year 2019-20 very recently. Anaemia is among the major public health challenges which affect the vulnerable segments of the population which includes children and women. The men are also affected by the deficiency of anaemia but to a lesser extent. The present paper compares the NFHS-3 and NFHS-4 reports for the prevalence of anaemia among children belonging to 6-59 months and adults across 29 states. The study also discussed various factors, causes and consequences which serve as an important determinant for the occurrence of anaemia. The interventions by the government in relation to anaemia were also analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]