Health experience for pregnant stay-behind women in rural India: A study on NFHS-5 survey data.

Abstract

This is a descriptive study based on National Family Health Survey- Round 5 (2020-21) dataset, comparing two groups of Indian women: "stay-behind pregnant women" and "women who are living with their husbands." We applied z-test analyzing health status and healthcare access between the two groups. The result shows both health status (D_{Mean Hemoglobin} = -2.02, p = .002; _{DMean Sys BP} = -2.48, p = .001; D_{Mean Dias BP} = -1.53, p = .003; D_Anemic = 0.04, p = .006) and healthcare access (D_{Access to public healthcare} = -4.6 percent, p = .005; D_{Access to private healthcare} = 10.4 percent, p = .002, D_Others = -9.3 percent, p = .001) are significantly lower among "stay-behind pregnant women." The intake of nutritious food among stay-behind pregnant women is relatively low (D_Pulses = -7.9 percent, p = .003; D_Veg = -3.4 percent, p = .002; D_Fruits = -5.5 percent, 0.005; D_Eggs = -3.8 percent, p = .004; D_Meat = -3.4 percent, p = .002) which contributes to their poor health status. Overall, it is concluded that the health status and healthcare access of "stay-behind pregnant women" are poorer than others. Future studies can explore the role of empowerment of "stay-behind pregnant women" in ensuring their better health and healthcare access.