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A study on spatial association of poor child health outcomes and multidimensional poverty in India

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: India faces persistent challenges of poor child health and multidimensional poverty, which together create a cycle of intergenerational poverty and poor health. So, identifying the spatial association between these issues is crucial for targeted interventions and achieving health and poverty-related SDGs. METHODS: This study used secondary data from NITI Aayog's MPI Progress Review 2023 and NFHS-5 state fact sheets. To achieve the study objectives, various methods were used. Getis-Ord statistics were used to identify spatial clusters of hot spots and cold spots. Univariate Moran's I identified spatial clusters of poor child health outcomes. Bivariate LISA Moran's I examined their spatial relationship with the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI). Finally, a spatial lag model was applied to assess the effect of MPI on child health outcomes at the district level. RESULTS: The results demonstrated a strong link between poor child health outcomes and multidimensional poverty in various Indian districts. Districts such as Satna, Rewa, and Chhatarpur in Madhya Pradesh; Banda, Sonbhadra, and Bahraich in Uttar Pradesh; Simdega and West Singhbhum in Jharkhand; Bastar and Dantewada in Chhattisgarh; Baran and Dholpur in Rajasthan; Jamui and Purnia in Bihar; Malkangiri and Koraput in Odisha; and Purulia and Jhargram in West Bengal displayed on-going weaknesses in both areas. CONCLUSION: The findings highlight the need for specific policies, as one-size-fits-all approaches across districts have not worked. High cluster districts should be named High-Priority Development Zones. These zones should receive mobile health services for mothers and children, increased funding, inter-sector committees, and improved existing programs.

Source: BMC Public Health

DOI: 10.1186/s12889-025-25222-6

Authors: Partha Das, Tamal Basu Roy, Samiran Bisai, Tanu Das, Priya Das, Subhadeep Saha

Institutions: Raiganj University, Sidho-Kanho-Birsha University

Language: English

Topic: Global Maternal and Child Health

Subfield: Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities, No poverty

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,290