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National Family Health Survey 5: NFHS Full Form, Report, NFHS 5 UPSC

By BYJU'S Exam Prep

Updated on: November 14th, 2023

National Family Health Survey (NFHS) is a detailed survey that is conducted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India, in collaboration with other institutes, on a nationwide level. It is done to evaluate the healthcare status of the people in the Indian states and formulate conclusions to take the necessary steps required to improve healthcare nationwide. The NFHS 5‘s first phase was conducted in 2019-2020, and the results were made public in December 2020.

National Family Health provides valuable data on various health and demographic indicators, including maternal and child health, reproductive health, nutrition, and household characteristics. Survey National Family Health Survey holds significance in the UPSC exam as it covers crucial aspects of public health, population dynamics, and social indicators. To study this topic, candidates should familiarize themselves with the objectives, methodology, key findings, and trends of the survey. Analyzing the survey reports, understanding the indicators, and being aware of the implications of the findings are essential to answer related questions effectively in the UPSC exam.

National Family Health Survey India – NFHS

National Family Health Survey (NFHS) is a comprehensive and representative survey conducted in multiple rounds across Indian households. The survey is a collaborative effort involving the International Institute of Population Sciences (IIPS), the International Centre for Families (ICF), and the East-West Centre. IIPS, recognized by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, coordinates and provides technical direction for the NFHS. Funding for the survey is provided by various organizations, including the United Nations children’s fund and the United States Agency for International Development. The implementation of the survey involves multiple field organizations responsible for carrying out survey operations in different states covered by the NFHS.

NFHS project relies on the collaboration of several organizations to ensure its successful execution. The IIPS, as the coordinating body, plays a crucial role in overseeing the technical aspects of the survey. Alongside IIPS, the International Centre for Families and the East-West Centre provide support and expertise in addressing the technical requirements of the NFHS. The survey receives additional funding from international bodies such as the United Nations children’s fund and the United States Agency for International Development. These collaborative efforts between IIPS, field organizations, and international partners contribute to the successful implementation of the NFHS, enabling the collection of comprehensive data on health and demographic indicators across India.

History of NFHS

From 1990-1993, the very first National Family Health Survey (NFHS-1) was carried out by the Government of India. With a focus on women, mothers, and small children, the survey gathered significant data on the population, health, and nutritional status of the population.

  • NFHS-1 (1990-1993): The first National Family Health Survey focused on women, mothers, and small children, gathering significant data on population, health, and nutritional status. It was conducted with the assistance of 18 population research centers (PRCs) across reputable universities and institutions.
  • NFHS-2 (1998-1999): The second survey included all 26 states in India and expanded the scope to cover topics such as domestic violence, maternal health, reproductive health, anemia, women’s nutrition, social status, healthcare, and family planning resources.
  • NFHS-3 (2005-2006): The third survey was conducted in 29 states with the help of 18 research organizations and technical assistance from the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) and the National AIDS Research Institute (NARI). It received funding from various organizations such as USAID, DFID, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, UNICEF, UNFPA, and MoHFW.
  • NFHS-4 (2015-2016): The fourth survey provided comprehensive data on India’s population, health, and nutrition at the state and union territory level. It aimed to deliver crucial information on health and family welfare, including biomarker tests and measurements to assess malnutrition, anemia, hypertension, HIV, and high blood sugar levels.

NFHS 5

The fifth round of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS 5) was conducted in 2019-2020, with the results made public in December 2020. It aimed to provide estimates on key indicators related to population, family planning, maternity and child health, nutrition, adult health, and domestic violence. The survey covered 22 states and five union territories, presenting findings on various important aspects.

  • Population:  Increased adoption of family planning methods across most states, except for Mizoram. Some states experienced a decrease in the sex ratio at birth, while Tripura’s ratio remained higher than 1000.
  • Health and Nutrition: Institutional childbirths increased, but out-of-pocket delivery costs also rose in certain states. Overall decline in infant mortality rate (IMR) across states, although childhood malnutrition is on the rise. Increasing prevalence of obesity among both men and women in most states, except Gujarat and Maharashtra.
  • Approach to Infrastructure and Facilities: Improvement in drinking water resources and electricity in all states. Increase in the number of households with better sanitation facilities, varying across states. Also, rise in women owning cell phones, but internet access remains limited in some states. More women opening bank accounts, but land ownership and home buying show variations among states.
  • Gender:  Increased usage of hygienic means of protection during menstruation in most states. Prevalence of gender-based violence remains high, with an increase in several states, including a significant rise in Karnataka.

NFHS Survey Rounds

There are a total of 5 rounds have been conducted to date. Below we have mentioned all the rounds and the date of conducting.

  • The First Round of NFHS was conducted in 1992-93
  • The second Round of the National Family Health Survey was conducted from 1998-99
  • The third round of NFHS was conducted in 2005-06
  • The fourth Round of the National Family Health Survey was conducted in 2015-16
  • NFHS 5 was conducted from 2018-19

Objectives of the National Family Health Survey

National Family Health Survey (NFHS) aims to gather reliable data on health, nutrition, and population indicators in India. It provides policymakers with valuable insights to develop evidence-based strategies and policies. The survey monitors progress, identifies gaps, and informs targeted interventions for improving the well-being of individuals and families. The objective of the National Family Health Survey is to collect information on the following.

  • Fertility
  • Reproductive Health
  • Nutrition
  • Infant and Child Mortality
  • Family Planning
  • Anaemia
  • Maternal and Child Health

National Family Health Survey UPSC

NFHS-5 is one of the major initiatives of the Indian government under their government schemes. The National Family Health Survey helps a lot in understanding the healthcare infrastructure of the country.

National Family Health Survey (NFHS) is a comprehensive survey conducted in India to collect data on population, health, and nutrition indicators. It is crucial for candidates to study the history, criteria, and objectives of the NFHS to gain a comprehensive understanding of the survey’s scope and its impact on public health policies and programs in India.

NFHS 5 UPSC Questions

Practicing these questions can effectively cover the syllabus and enhance candidates’ preparation. It is highly recommended to practice the provided questions to improve preparation levels. Candidates can also refer to the UPSC previous year question papers to understand the basic areas of NHFS from which the questions have been asked.

Question: National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) does not include: (A) High Blood Pressure, (B) Diabetes, (C) HIV test, (D) Registration of death

Answer: (C) HIV test

Question: Which organization conducts the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) in India? A) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare B) National Sample Survey Office C) Indian Council of Medical Research D) International Institute for Population Sciences

Answer: (D) International Institute for Population Sciences

Question: In which year was the first round of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) conducted in India? (A) 1991-1992 (B) 1996-1997 (C) 2001-2002 (D) 2005-2006

Answer: (A) 1991-1992

Question for Mains: What is National Family Health Survey? Discuss the key components of the NFHS 5.

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