| Differentials in reproductive and child health status in India |
| Authors: |
Nikhilesh Parchure, Reena Basu, Dipak K. Adak, Premananda Bharati |
| Source: |
Italian Journal of Public Health, Vol. 8, No. 4, pp. 351-358 |
| Topic(s): |
Child health
Reproductive health
|
| Country: |
Asia
India
|
| Published: |
JAN 2011 |
| Abstract: |
Abstract
Background: Inequalities in reproductive and child health (RCH) exist, in general, in different regions of
India. The present study aims to investigate the current status of RCH and examine the factors responsible
for it in different parts of India.
Methods: This study utilized data obtained from two Indian studies – (i) National Family Health Survey – 3
(NFHS-2005-06) and (ii) District Level Household Survey (DLHS – 2002-04). Reproductive Health Index was
computed on the basis of five variables such as total fertility rate, infant mortality rate, birth order, delivery
care and female educational attainment.
Results: In terms of reproductive and child health, a wide range of variation exists in India in its different
regions. The study reveals that among Indian states, 13 states have an index value less than the national
average. On the basis of the reproductive health index, the Indian states can be divided into three categories,
namely; progressive states, semi progressive states and backward states.
Conclusions:The interstate differencesin healthcareutilization are partly due tovariations in the implementation
of maternal health care programs as well as differences in availability of and accessibility to healthcare
between Indian states.
Key words: reproductive health, child health, maternal health care programs, India |
|