A Comprehensive Overview: Data Sources for Health and Family Planning Indicators in India

[RITESH LADDHA]

Accurate and comprehensive data on health and family planning indicators hold immense significance in the formulation and implementation of effective policies in India. In this blog post, we aim to explore several data sources that offer essential insights into the current state of health and family planning in our country. These valuable sources encompass the Sample Registration System (SRS), Census data, Civil Registration System (CRS), National Family Health Survey (NFHS), National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO), National Health Profile, Rural Health Statistics, Annual Health Survey (AHS), and District Level Household Survey (DLHS).

 

1. Sample Registration System (SRS): (https://censusindia.gov.in/census.website/node/294)

The SRS is an annual survey that has been conducted since 1970. It provides valuable data on fertility and mortality indicators such as the Crude Birth Rate (CBR), Total Fertility Rate (TFR), Crude Death Rate (CDR), Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), Neonatal Mortality Rate (NNMR), Perinatal Mortality Rate (PNNMR), Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR), and Sex Ratio (0-4). The SRS offers representative sample data, and regular reports, and is considered reliable.

 

2. Census: (https://censusindia.gov.in/census.website/)

The decennial Census in India, conducted every ten years, offers population counts by age, sex, area, Infant Mortality Rate (IMR), and child mortality data. The Census is a reliable and valid source of population information, providing a comprehensive overview of demographic trends. The last round of the Census was conducted in the year 2011.

 

3. Civil Registration System (CRS): (https://censusindia.gov.in/census.website/node/427)

The CRS generates yearly reports since 1958 and offers data on fertility and mortality indicators. It provides data on causes of death disaggregated by age, sex, and type of residence, allowing for trend analysis related to vital events. The CRS contributes to the understanding of long-term demographic patterns.

 

4. National Family Health Survey (NFHS): (http://rchiips.org/nfhs/)

The NFHS is conducted periodically to gather data on various health and family planning indicators. The survey has been conducted in multiple rounds, including NFHS 1 (1992-93), NFHS 2 (1998-99), NFHS 3 (2005-06), NFHS 4 (2015-16) and NFHS 5(2019-21). NFHS data provide indirect estimates of fertility, mortality rates, reproductive and child health, women empowerment, gender-based violence etc. up to the district level. It is one of the most reliable data sources in the country now.

 

5. National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO): (https://mospi.gov.in/download-reports)

The NSSO conducts rounds of surveys that cover a wide range of parameters, including CBR, CDR, health problems and prevalence, and health expenditure. The NSSO is known for providing reliable estimates and contributing to a comprehensive understanding of health and family planning in India.

 

6. National Health Profile:

(https://www.cbhidghs.nic.in/index1.php?lang=1&level=1&sublinkid=75&lid=1135#:~:text=NHP%20is%20an%20initiative%20which,stakeholders%20in%20the%20healthcare%20sector.)

The National Health Profile, published annually since 2005, is a comprehensive source of data covering demographic, socio-economic factors, incidence and prevalence of communicable and non-communicable diseases, morbidity and mortality rates, health financing, and healthcare human resources (HR) and infrastructure. This profile provides reliable estimates and serves as a valuable reference for understanding the overall health scenario in India.

 

7. Rural Health Statistics: (https://main.mohfw.gov.in/newshighlights-90)

Published annually since 2005, the Rural Health Statistics report focuses on the rural healthcare system, including healthcare human resources and infrastructure, the status of facilities, and training of medical and paramedical personnel. This data source provides reliable estimates specifically related to rural health and plays a crucial role in identifying gaps and formulating targeted interventions.

 

8. Annual Health Survey (AHS): (Discontinued)

The AHS, which has now been merged into the NFHS, was supposed to be conducted annually in eight Empowered Action Group (EAG) states. The latest available report is of 2012-13, offering data up to the district and state levels. The AHS provides reliable estimates on various indicators such as CBR, CDR, IMR, Neonatal Mortality Rate (Neo-natal MR), Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR), Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR), Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB), Sex Ratio (0-4), and Sex Ratio (All Ages).

 

9. District Level Household Survey (DLHS) and Facility Survey: (Discontinued)

(http://rchiips.org/index.html)

The DLHS, conducted in multiple rounds (DLHS 1 - 1998-99, DLHS 2 - 2002-04, DLHS 3 - 2007-08, DLHS 4 - 2012-13), provides detailed insights into various aspects such as antenatal care (ANC), demographic behavior, family planning, awareness of reproductive tract infections (RTIs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and health infrastructure (trained staff, equipment, etc.). It offers reliable estimates, although DLHS 4 does not include national-level data as it was not conducted in states where the AHS was implemented.

 

In conclusion, the availability of accurate and up-to-date data is absolutely crucial when it comes to understanding and addressing the key indicators of health and family planning in India. The diverse range of data sources that have been discussed in this blog provide us with reliable estimates on a wide array of parameters. As policymakers, researchers, and healthcare professionals, we heavily rely on these data sources to identify trends, assess progress, and develop evidence-based interventions that aim to improve health and family planning outcomes throughout the country. By leveraging these invaluable data sources, India has the ability to make informed decisions and implement targeted strategies that promote the well-being of its population and contribute to the overall development of our great nation.

[Ranjani K.Murthy]

Thanks so much for this Ritesh. Very useful. Ranjani