The Temporal Impact of Socioeconomic Deprivation on Child Health Outcomes in India: Evidence from the Demographic Health Survey 2015–2021

Abstract

In India, poor child health is a pertinacious issue. This article investigates the impact of water and sanitation, maternal health care service utilization (MHCSU) and breastfeeding practices on under-five child health outcomes (CHOs) in India using the two rounds of the Indian Demographic and Health Survey (DHS), 2015–2016 and 2019–2021. In 2019–2021, unprotected sources of drinking water were associated with an increased prevalence of under-five wasting. Unimproved sanitation facilities were likely to increase the prevalence of under-five stunting; however, unlike in DHS 2015–2016, it had no statistically significant effect on wasting and underweight (2019–2021). Mothers who had not received at least four antenatal care visits were more likely to have stunted and underweight children (2019–2021). The absence of early initiation of breastfeeding was associated with an increased prevalence of under-five wasting and underweight but did not influence CHOs (2015–2016). In 2019–2021, the absence of exclusive breastfeeding for the initial six months was associated with increased odds of stunting and underweight among children. To improve CHOs, policymakers must focus on providing financial, material, and human resources along with soft knowledge to provide hygiene education and promote MHCSU, breastfeeding practices, engagement with frontline health workers and women's empowerment.