Environmental Health Problems Among Children in North Eastern States of India

Abstract

In 2015, India has faced the largest number of under 5 (U5) death than all other countries, with regional disparities. Childhood diarrhoea and pneumonia are the major cause of U5 death. Using the data from the fourth round of National Family Health Survey (NFHS-IV, 2015–2016) for the eight North Eastern state we have tried to understand the prevalence of environmental health problems like ARI and diarrhoea and their correlates. These two diseases are the major cause of U5 deaths in low- and middle-income countries including India. Apart from bivariate analysis and logistic regression analysis we have also conducted spatial association to identify the regional variation in diarrhoea and ARI among U5 children in NE states. Household’s environmental factors and socio-economic characteristics are found to have significant impact on child mortality. Among the NE states Sikkim found to be better off and Meghalaya is worse in terms of child health outcome. Policies aimed at achieving the goal of reduction of child mortality should be directed on improving the household’s environmental and or socio-economic status if this goal is to be realised. India must analyze the process achieved and contemplate the consequences for reaching the Sustainable Development Goal’s targets for child survival.