Fertility rate, child marriage rise in J&K; healthcare improves: NFHS-6

Srinagar, Jun 3: The latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) for 2023-24 indicates notable progress in several health and maternal care indicators across Jammu and Kashmir, although certain demographic concerns, including fertility levels and child marriage rates, have shown a marginal rise.
Data from the survey reveals that the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) in the Union Territory stands at 1.8 children per woman, up from 1.4 reported in NFHS-5 (2019-21). The proportion of women aged 20-24 years who were married before attaining 18 years of age also rose slightly to 5.1 per cent from 4.5 per cent.
Healthcare indicators, however, registered positive gains. Institutional deliveries increased to 93.6 per cent, compared to 92.4 per cent in the previous survey. The share of births assisted by trained health professionals remained high at 94.8 per cent, while early antenatal registration during the first trimester improved to 89.9 per cent from 86.6 per cent.
The survey further noted a substantial increase in the number of mothers completing at least four antenatal check-ups, which climbed to 90.6 per cent from 81.1 per cent. Coverage of Mother and Child Protection cards among registered pregnancies also improved, reaching 99 per cent against 97.3 per cent recorded earlier.
According to the findings, public healthcare institutions accounted for 80.3 per cent of all institutional deliveries in Jammu and Kashmir. Meanwhile, the proportion of caesarean-section births witnessed a significant increase, rising to 51 per cent from 41.7 per cent in NFHS-5.
The survey also reflected gains in education, financial inclusion and digital connectivity across Jammu and Kashmir. The proportion of females aged six years and above who had attended school rose to 71.3 per cent, compared to 70.1 per cent in the previous survey.
Access to the internet witnessed a marked improvement, particularly among women. Around 63.6 per cent of women reported having used the internet, up from 43.3 per cent in NFHS-5. Among men, internet usage increased from 62 per cent to 80.8 per cent during the same period.
Health security coverage expanded significantly, with 96.3 per cent of households reporting coverage under a health insurance or financing scheme, a steep rise from 13.8 per cent recorded earlier.
The findings further showed improved early childhood engagement, with attendance in pre-school among children aged 2-4 years increasing to 40.1 per cent from 27.2 per cent. Financial inclusion also strengthened, as 98.7 per cent of households reported having a bank or post office account, compared to 96.8 per cent in NFHS-5.
The survey also flagged a shift in family planning preferences. The use of traditional contraceptive methods among women increased considerably to 21.8 per cent from 7.3 per cent, while adoption of modern contraceptive methods declined to 39.4 per cent from 52.5 per cent in the previous survey. (KNO)