India conducts the Annual Health Survey (AHS) and the National Family Health Survey (NFHS). Which of the following indicators is measured by NFHS-5 (2019-21) but NOT by the Census of India?
- A Total population by age and sex
- B Stunting prevalence among children under 5 years ✓
- C Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR)
- D Proportion of households with access to piped water
Correct answer: B. Stunting prevalence among children under 5 years
Explanation
Stunting prevalence (height-for-age Z-score < −2SD) requires anthropometric measurement of children — this is done in NFHS (and CNNS), not by the Census. The Census collects demographic and socioeconomic data (age, sex, literacy, housing, sanitation access) but does not measure anthropometric nutritional indicators. MMR is measured by the SRS special survey (not Census), NFHS, or HMIS. NFHS-5 reported 35.5% stunting nationally.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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