A Comprehensive Health Index for India: Development, Validation, and Spatial Variation

Meena Sehgal, Peraton
Santosh Jatrana, James Cook University
Louise Johnson, Deakin University

This paper presents the development, testing and spatial variation of an innovative India Health Index. Unlike previous approaches that focused on specific health aspects (e.g., health resources, child health or health coverage), our index takes a comprehensive and multi-dimensional approach. It covers indicators across various life stages (child, adolescent, and adult) and encompasses six domains influencing health: socio-cultural factors, health status, health determinants (both risk and protective factors), household environment and health system and policy. Using data from the latest round of National Family Health Survey and employing Principal Component Analysis, we constructed the India Health Index. Subsequent statistical tests confirmed its internal reliability and construct validity. External validity was indicated by its association with under five mortality rates, and the sub-national human development index for India. Spatial analyses revealed significant inter-district and inter-state variation in India Health Index scores. The findings underscore the utility of the India Healthy Index as a measurement tool and its potential for tracking progress and policy intervention for health equality in India.

Keywords: Health and Morbidity, Inequality, Disadvantage and Discrimination, Population Policies, Spatial Demography

See paper.