Health and Nutritional Status of Women in Different Regions of West Bengal, India: A Comparative Study between NFHS-4 and NFHS-5

Women are the important pillar of society but they are not getting proper health care and nutrition which makes them more vulnerable. This study is based on secondary data which has been taken from National Family and Health Survey (NFHS-4, 2015-2016 & NFHS-5, 2019-2021).The study aims to understand the change in health status among women aged 15-49 years in different districts of West Bengal by comparing different health parameters (BMI, obesity, anaemia, high blood sugar and high blood pressure) between two rounds of NFHS. It has been observed that the prevalence of underweight women has decreased from the 4th round of NFHS to the 5th round whereas the rate of obesity has increased in most of the districts of West Bengal except the southern region. Increasing trends of obesity, anaemia, diabetes and hypertension among women have been revealed that make a threat to women’s health and development as well as to society. The nutritional and health status among women needs more attention and concern. The initiative should be taken to aware women of their nutrition, nutritional deficiency, health and public health care facilities.