Regional Variation of Child Malnutrition Indicators in Uttar Pradesh, India: Evidence from NFHS 2019-2021

Abhishek Gupta, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS)
Sarika Rai, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS)
Kunal Keshri, International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai

Child malnutrition remains a critical public health issue in India, with Uttar Pradesh (UP) bearing a disproportionate burden. This study investigates regional disparities in child malnutrition across Uttar Pradesh (UP), India, using data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019-21). The analysis focuses on three key malnutrition indicators—stunting, wasting, and underweight—in children under five, examining five regions: Northern Upper Ganga Plain, Southern Ganga Plain, Central, Eastern, and Southern. Logistic regression models are employed to identify the socio-economic and geographical determinants of malnutrition. The findings reveal significant regional variation, with the Southern region, particularly the semi-arid Bundelkhand area, exhibiting the highest rates of stunting (46.85%) and underweight (36.57%). The Eastern region shows the highest prevalence of wasting (31.14%). Key determinants include maternal education, wealth status, and regional disparities, with lower maternal education and poverty strongly associated with higher malnutrition rates. Geographic factors also play a critical role, with children in the Southern and Eastern regions more vulnerable to malnutrition. The study highlights the need for region-specific policy interventions that address the unique socio-economic and environmental challenges in these areas. Addressing these disparities is essential for improving child health and achieving sustainable development goals in UP.

Keywords: Children, Adolescents, and Youth, Spatial Demography, Inequality, Disadvantage and Discrimination

See extended abstract.