V2I8P40

Regional Disparities in Malnutrition Across India: A Comprehensive Nationwide Analysis

Neelam Kanyal^1*, Dr. Vidya Kumari²

Abstract

Malnutrition remains a major public health challenge in India, contributing significantly to child morbidity, maternal mortality, and intergenerational cycles of poverty. Despite overall improvements in national nutritional indicators, stark regional disparities persist across Indian states and union territories. This study conducts a comprehensive analysis of malnutrition trends across regions using data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5). Key indicators such as stunting, wasting, underweight prevalence, and anemia are examined across states, with a focus on socioeconomic determinants including education, income levels, and access to health services. The findings highlight critical regional inequalities—especially in the central and eastern parts of India—and call for targeted, region-specific interventions to reduce the nutritional burden and promote equity.

Keywords:

Malnutrition, Regional disparities, Wasting, National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), Nutritional equity and Nutritional indicators