Spatial Clustering of Malnutrition and Anemia Among Reproductive Women and Its Associated Risk Factors in India: Evidence From National Family Health Survey-5

Abstract

Background: Malnutrition and anemia are 2 severe public health concerns, predominantly in low-and middle-income nations. Malnutrition is defined as poor nutritional condition that encompasses both under nutrition and over nutrition. The prevalence of overweight or obesity and anemia has increased in India from 2016 to 2021. The study aims to investigate the spatial clustering and factors responsible for underweight, overweight/obesity, and anemia among reproductive women (15-49 years) in India using the data from National Family and Health Survey-5 (2019-2021). Methods: We conducted hot-spot analysis using Moran’s Index (MI) with the help of spatial analysis software (i.e., GeoDa 1.18 and ArcGIS 10.8). It also demonstrates the autocorrelation. Multivariable logistic regression analysis has been performed to examine different determinants and risk associated with underweight, overweight/obesity, and anemia with various dependent variable by using Stata-14 software. Results: Moran’s Index for underweight (MI = 0.68), overweight/obesity (MI = 0.72), and anemia (MI = 0.62) indicates a high level of spatial-autocorrelation (P