'High spirits:' Women in Assam consume alcohol the most in India

Among women, those in Assam consume alcohol the most in India, according to a study done by the Union Ministry for Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW). 

About 26.3 per cent women in Assam in the age group of 15-49 years consume, much more than the national average of 1.2 per cent, said the Health and Family Welfare Statistics in India 2019-20. The figures are based on the National Family Health Survey – 4 conducted in 2015-16.

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Assam is followed by Jammu and Kashmir, where 23 per cent women have consumed alcohol. According to the study, with zero per cent, the lowest percentage of women who have consumed alcohol is in Chandigarh and Lakshadweep.    

Major demographic and health status indicators have improved significantly, according to study. The crude birth rate (per 1,000 population) has declined to 20.2 in 2017 from 20.8 in 2015 and 22.1 in 2010. Similarly, the crude death rate (per 1,000 population) has reduced from 7.2 in 2010 and 6.5 in 2015 to 6.3 in 2017.

The total fertility rate per woman has fallen from 2.5 in 2010 and 2.3 in 2015 to 2.2 in 2017. Again, life expectancy has increased from 67 (between 2008 and 2012, with 2010 as mid-year) to 69.0 (from 2013 to 2017, with 2015 as mid-year).

The survey also studied about 45 national health indicators that are associated with achieving the sustainable development goals (SDG 3), adopted by all United Nations member states in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030.

Andhra Pradesh stood first in households with any usual member covered by a health scheme or health insurance with 74.6 per cent, followed by Chhattisgarh with 68.5 per cent and Telangana with 66.,4 per cent as per NFHS -4. The lowest was Lakshadweep with 2.9 per cent. This is an indicator to monitor the goal of implementing social protection systems substantially covering the poor and the vulnerable by 2030.

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Jharkhand has the highest percentage of underweight children aged 0-59 months with 47.8 per cent. This indicator helps gauge the goal to end hunger and ensure access to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round by 2030. Jharkhand was followed by Bihar with 43.9 per cent. Mizoram with 12 per cent had the least number of underweight children, as per NHFS – 4.