Underweight Among Scheduled Tribe Non-Pregnant Adolescent Women: A Trend Analysis and Determinants from NFHS

Abstract

Background
This study examines the trends in underweight prevalence among non-pregnant adolescent women from Scheduled Tribes (ST) in India between 2015 and 2021. It also explores how demographic and socio-economic factors influence underweight status among ST adolescent women aged 15–19 and assesses state-level variations in prevalence.
Data and Methods
The analysis is based on secondary data from the fourth, and fifth rounds of the National Family Health Survey (2015–16 and 2019–21), including 42,164 ST non-pregnant adolescent women aged 15–19. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression techniques were used.
Results
The prevalence of underweight among ST non-pregnant adolescent women declined from 47.2% in 2005–06 to 42.6% in 2015–16 and 41.6% in 2019–21. Key factors associated with underweight status include religion, marital status, household wealth, dietary practices, anaemia, and region of residence.
Conclusion
ST adolescent women represent a vulnerable group at high risk of undernutrition. Enhancing access to affordable, nutritious, and safe food and strengthening anaemia-focused interventions are critical to improving their health outcomes.