Spatial Analysis of Child Malnutrition in Bihar: A District Level Study

Child malnutrition remains a major public health issue in Bihar, with widespread undernutrition, includinghigh rates of stunting, wasting, and underweight among children, alongside rising levels of childhoodoverweight. These forms of malnutrition present serious challenges to child survival, health, anddevelopment. This study conducts a district-level spatial analysis of child malnutrition in Bihar, focusingon the distribution and clustering of stunting, wasting, underweight, and overweight across the 38 districts.Using data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019-20), the study applies the Choroplethmapping technique to visualize and interpret spatial disparities. The analysis identifies significantgeographic variations and highlights persistent malnutrition hotspots. These spatial patterns reflectunderlying socio-economic and regional inequalities that influence child health outcomes. By providinga clear spatial perspective, the study offers valuable insights into public health planning and policymaking.The findings underscore the importance of geographically targeted strategies and improved resourceallocation to address both undernutrition and emerging overweight trends. This evidence-based approachcan support Bihar’s progress toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger andpromote more equitable child health interventions across districts.