Abstract

ARI and diarrhoea remain a major public health problem and leading causes of death among children in many countries including India. Based the on fourth round of National Family Health Survey (NFHS) India, the prevalence of Diarrhoea and ARI in Odisha and its sociocultural determinants was analysed. The results suggest that the age of the child, mother’s education, place of residence, caste, place of cooking and smoking behaviour of parents is associated with ARI and diarrhoea prevalence. Policy interventions are needed to improve the economic status, nutrition status, spreading community awareness, and providing supplements can help in prevention of diarrhoea and ARIs.

Keywords:Diarrhoea; Acute respiratory infection; Under-five children; Mortality

Abbreviations: ARI: Acute Respiratory Infection; MPCE: Monthly Per Capita Consumption Expenditure; SC: Scheduled Caste; ST: Scheduled Tribe; OBC: Other Backward Class; NFHS: National Family Health Survey