Examining the prevalence and patterns of malnutrition among children aged 0-3 in India: Comparative insights from NFHS-1 to NFHS-5

Background: This study aims to analyse the undernutrition burden in India and assess the state-level distribution of nutritional indicators among children under three, using data from NFHSs.Methods: This analysis focused on children under three years old and examined the prevalence and trend of undernutrition indicators in India at national and state levels. Changes over a decade were assessed to determine the burden. The study employed a multilevel logistic regression model to measure undernutrition burden, incorporating household and individual factors.Results: From NFHS-1 to NFHS-5, wasting prevalence increased slightly from 19.9 % to 20.5 %, while stunting and underweight decreased from 51.9 % to 34.1 % and 45.8 %-29.4 %, respectively. Stunting and underweight saw a decrease of 6.36 % (down arrow) and 5.86 % (down arrow), respectively, while wasting showed a slight increase of 0.21 % (up arrow). Mother's education and the child's sex were significant factors influencing children's nutritional status.Conclusion: Despite advancements in reducing undernutrition indicators in India through national nutrition programs, the pace of progress remains slow. Prioritizing the fulfillment of nutrition-related SDG goals is crucial. Policymakers can leverage the study's results to create interventions for improving children's nutritional status. Coordinated efforts at both state and national levels are essential to achieve specific improvements in under-nutrition indicators across programs.