Introduction
The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) is one of the most important large-scale surveys conducted in India to assess the health and family welfare status of the population. It provides essential data for policymakers, researchers, and program implementers to plan and monitor health and social welfare programs. Conducted under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), the NFHS has completed five rounds so far. This post explains the objectives, design, field work, and significance of NFHS in shaping India’s health care policies and programs.
What is the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)?
The NFHS is a nationally representative survey that provides data on various aspects of population, health, and nutrition. The survey is carried out by the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), Mumbai, along with other field agencies. It is similar in scope to the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) conducted in other countries.
Objectives of NFHS
- To provide essential data on fertility, mortality, family planning, and health indicators.
- To collect information on maternal and child health, nutrition, and immunization coverage.
- To assess the prevalence of anemia, hypertension, diabetes, and other health conditions.
- To monitor the impact of national health programs and schemes.
- To provide data to help policy planners design evidence-based interventions.
Survey Design
The NFHS uses a multi-stage stratified sampling design to ensure representativeness at the national, state, and district levels. The survey covers both urban and rural areas and includes a wide demographic spread.
Sampling Frame: The sample is selected from the latest Census and includes households across all states and union territories.
Respondent Categories
- Women aged 15-49 years
- Men aged 15-54 years
- Children under the age of five
- Elderly population (limited questions)
Field Work
Field work is conducted by trained investigators using structured questionnaires. The data collection process involves:
- Household interviews
- Individual interviews of eligible men and women
- Biomarker testing (height, weight, blood pressure, blood sugar, etc.)
- Collection of water and salt samples (for fluoride and iodine content)
Modern technology such as Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) is used to ensure accuracy and real-time data collection.
Key Indicators Covered
- Fertility rates
- Infant and child mortality
- Maternal health (ANC, PNC, institutional delivery)
- Nutrition levels (stunting, wasting, underweight in children)
- Family planning usage
- Immunization coverage
- HIV/AIDS awareness
- Domestic violence
- Access to clean water and sanitation
NFHS and Its Contribution to Policy and Programmes
The NFHS data is a foundation for many health-related decisions taken by the Government of India. It helps to identify gaps and design new programs.
1. Health and Nutrition Programs
NFHS data is used in schemes like POSHAN Abhiyan, Janani Suraksha Yojana, and National Health Mission (NHM) to target areas with poor maternal and child health outcomes.
2. Family Planning and Fertility Control
Information on contraceptive use and fertility trends helps in promoting family planning methods suited to different regions.
3. Addressing Anemia and Malnutrition
The high prevalence of anemia among women and children highlighted in NFHS has led to programs like Anemia Mukt Bharat.
4. Improving Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)
Insights into sanitation practices guide efforts like Swachh Bharat Mission.
5. Gender and Domestic Violence Policies
NFHS provides data on gender-based violence, which helps in forming women protection and empowerment programs.
6. State-wise Planning
State governments use NFHS data to allocate budgets, resources, and plan district-level interventions more efficiently.
Conclusion
The National Family Health Survey is a vital tool for understanding the health landscape of India. It provides credible, large-scale data that informs health policies, programs, and strategies across the nation. By offering insights into the real health status and social determinants, NFHS supports evidence-based policymaking and helps India move towards better public health outcomes and inclusive development.