Decomposition Analysis of Anemia Among Women of Reproductive Age in Northeast India: Evidence from NFHS-4 and NFHS-5

Sabrina Sultana  Rahman; Ruma Talukdar

doi:10.55489/njcm.160620255384

Authors

Sabrina Sultana Rahman Department of Statistics, Cotton University, Guwahati, Assam, India; Assam down town University, Guwahati, India
Ruma Talukdar Department of Statistics, Cotton University, Guwahati, Assam, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55489/njcm.160620255384

Keywords:

Anemia, Reproductive-Age, Decomposition Analysis, Northeast India

Abstract

Background: Anemia, characterized by low red blood cell and haemoglobin levels, affects 1.62 billion people globally. It is a major public health concern among reproductive-age women in India, particularly in Northeast regions, where prevalence remains high. The study aims to analyze trends in anemia among reproductive-age women in Northeast India, drawing on data from the NFHS. By employing decomposition analysis, the research seeks to evaluate the extent to which socioeconomic, demographic, and dietary factors have contributed to changes in anemia prevalence over time.

Methodology: The study used descriptive statistical analysis to examine anemia trends and a logit-based multivariate decomposition analysis to quantify the contributions of compositional (endowment) and behavioural (coefficient) factors. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.

Findings: Anemia prevalence among women in Northeast India rose from 38.7% (NFHS-4) to 50.1% (NFHS-5), with significant variations across demographic, socioeconomic, and dietary factors. Decomposition analysis showed 18.9% of the increase was due to compositional shifts, notably wealth index and residence, while 81.1% was attributed to behavioural factors like diet and socioeconomic status. Consumption of vegetables, fish, and milk significantly influenced anemia trends.

Conclusions: Addressing socioeconomic disparities and promoting balanced diets through targeted interventions are essential to reducing anemia prevalence in Northeast India.

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