Nutritional Status among Marginalised Groups- A Critical Review of Health Outcomes through SES and NFHS, India

The nutritional condition of children serves as a vital indicator for evaluating overall health outcomes. Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3—ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all—this area demands focused attention. One of its key aims is to prevent diseases and safeguard children’s lives. In this regard, discussions on nutrition and health outcomes hold great significance. National-level surveys, such as the National Family Health Survey (NFHS), provide valuable data to assess children’s nutritional status. It is essential to analyze the health and nutrition of marginalized groups, as evidence indicates notable differences among various social categories. Although the health of all children requires consideration, understanding disparities based on socioeconomic and regional backgrounds is crucial for effective policymaking and program design. Despite several government health initiatives, marginalized populations continue to experience poorer health conditions due to socioeconomic disadvantages. Hence, this paper critically examines the nutritional and health status of children from marginalized communities to explore how socioeconomic factors influence their health outcomes.