Religion, nutrition and birth weight among currently married women (15–49) in India: A study based on NFHS-5

Abstract

Background/objectives: In countries like India, common public concerns regarding nutrition are low birth weight. The types and patterns of food consumption vary among Hindus and Muslims. Therefore, the objectives of the present study are in the Indian context based on two religious groups, Hindu and Muslim. To know how the nutritional status of women is associated with different socio-economic, demographic, and spatial determinants. To find out how birth weight is related to the nutritional status of mothers. Methods: The study was based on data from 15 to 49 years of currently married women from NFHS-5. The chi-square test and ordered logistics regression have been used to find out how low birth weight, normal birth weight, and Heavy birth weight are affected by BMI. Results: Hindu (14.87%) women have a higher prevalence of being underweight than Muslim (9.82%). Normal weight is higher among Muslims (60.35%) than Hindus (59.49%). Being overweight is higher among Muslims (22.45%) than among Hindus (19.29%). In addition, obesity is higher among Muslims (7.39%) than among Hindus (6.34%). The study found little differences in LBW among Hindus (21.44%) and Muslims (21.15%) underweight. Normal, overweight, and obese are all significantly associated with birth weight. Conclusion: Despite the religious variation of nutritional status (BMI) and birth weight, we can conclude that government needs to take particular interventions in the mother's socioeconomic status, health awareness programs, and provide different healthcare services. In addition, we need to take care of ourselves. Those cumulative effects will help to prevent problems associated with being underweight, overweight, obese, low birth weight, and heavy birth weight.

Keywords

• Nutritional status
• Body mass index
• Birth weight
• NFHS-5
• Religion
• Hindu-Muslim