Prevalence of anaemia among children under five in Northeast India: evidence from NFHS-5 data

Anaemia continues to be a major public health problem throughout the world, particularly among young children in developing countries. In India, more than two-thirds of the under-five children are affected, with a disproportionate load in NE India. The study investigates the prevalence and determinants of childhood anaemia in the region. In the present study, data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) comprising 26,522 children aged 6–59 months in NE India were used. Haemoglobin <11.0 g/dL was defined as anaemia. Haemoglobin was measured using the HemoCue Hb 201+ analyser. Descriptive, bivariate and multinomial logistic regression analyses were carried out, as well as a spatial analysis using QGIS. Childhood anaemia is still highly prevalent, with significant variation by demographic, nutritional and socio-economic factors. Higher prevalence is seen in younger children, those with poor nutritional status (stunting and underweight), and children with recent morbidity. Strong associations are seen with maternal factors, particularly maternal anaemia and low maternal education. Risk is also increased by household conditions, such as unsafe cooking fuel. Socio-economic disparities remain, with rural and poorer households being more vulnerable. There is marked regional variation, with Assam having the highest burden. The regression results suggest that child age, nutritional status, maternal anaemia, and household environment are important predictors. Childhood anaemia in NE India is influenced by a variety of interconnected factors such as nutrition, maternal health and living conditions. Targeted interventions at the regional level are required to alleviate the burden by improving maternal nutrition, child feeding practices and household environments.