BHUBANESWAR: The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) to evaluate health profile of Indian population and collate critical data on health, nutrition and disease prevalence will go underway in Odisha from January 11.
The survey in Odisha would encompass all 30 districts, covering around 28,380 households and would be completed within six months. The Indian Institute of Health Management Research (IIHMR) has been assigned by the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry as the field agency to conduct the survey in the State.
As per the strategy, the survey would be conducted in 1419 primary sampling units (PSUs) in 30 districts. Around 1182 PSUs have been defined and covered till date even as the agency has encountered local resistance to survey operations in 27.
However, the Institute has asserted to complete all the PSUs by December-end.
"We did face some opposition in 27 PSUs where villagers did not allow the team due to various apprehensions and fears. Their doubts are being cleared and we expect to complete the work soon," president, IIHMR Dr SD Gupta said.
The NFHS-4 will seek to collect essential data and evidence of trends in population, health and nutrition indicators from infant and child mortality, maternal health and mortality along with public health challenges like malaria, diarrhoea, tuberculosis, non-communicable diseases, fertility and contraception issues, HIV and AIDs and people's attitude to health. The information will help Governments to formulate effective policies for addressing the problems.
The survey operations will cover all 29 States and six UTs for the first time with a sample size of around 5.68 lakh, up from 1.09 lakh in NFHS-3.
Odisha is significant for the survey as the State continues to battle high IMR, NMR and MMR. As high as 64 per cent infant deaths in the State are attributed to neonatal mortality while premature deliveries form a whopping 38.5 per cent of births. Respiratory infections, pneumonia, tetanus and diarrhoea result in 34.1 per cent of infant deaths.
There are significant social, regional and gender disparities in accessing public health in Odisha. Five major diseases (Panchavyadhi) like malaria, diarrhoea, acute respiratory infections, scabies and leprosy constitute around 70 per cent of patient load in primary healthcare institutions. The nutritional status of women and children is very low.
"Looking at these challenges, it is necessary to gauge health indicators at regular periods to effectively address every issue. The survey will be helpful in redirection of strategy or making improvements to achieve the set goals," Dr Gupta added.
National Study
IIHMR has been assigned as the field agency to conduct the survey in State
Survey would be conducted in 1419 primary sampling units (PSUs) in 30 dists
Around 1182 PSUs have been defined and covered till date
The Institute has asserted to complete all PSUs by December-end