Survey Flags Rise In C-Sections, Diabetes, BP In Telangana

Hyderabad: Telangana has made significant progress in maternal health, women’s education and digital access, but the National Family Health Survey‑6 (2023‑24) pointed to sharp increases in cesarean deliveries, diabetes and hypertension even as child nutrition indicators showed gradual improvement.

The survey shows that the state continues to show strong performance on access to basic amenities and healthcare. The proportion of households with electricity was 98.6 percent, the proportion of improved drinking water supply was 98.2 percent, and the use of iodized salt was 98.7 percent. Approximately 98.8 percent of births were performed institutionally and 97.7 percent were performed by qualified healthcare personnel.

Maternal care indicators continue to be among the better performing areas. The rate of prenatal checkups in the first trimester was 89.6 percent, the rate of at least four prenatal visits was 80.3 percent, and the rate of postnatal care within two days after birth was 92.3 percent.

Consumption of iron and folic acid also increased during pregnancy; 81 percent of mothers take supplements for 100 days or more.

But the survey raised alarm about caesarean births. While Telangana’s caesarean section rate increased to 62.2 per cent from 60.7 per cent in the previous round, the rate in private facilities remained particularly high. The report also shows that the burden of non-communicable diseases is increasing, with high blood sugar levels and hypertension affecting a growing proportion of adults.

While the rate of women with high or very high blood sugar or those who use medication to control blood sugar increased from 14.7 percent to 19.6 percent, for men this rate increased from 18.1 percent to 24.5 percent. High blood pressure or use of medication to control it was 24.2 percent in women and 28.2 percent in men; both were higher than in the previous survey.

From a social perspective, the state has recorded a strong jump in women’s digital access. While the rate of women using the internet increased from 26.5 percent to 64.8 percent, the rate of women with 10 or more years of education increased from 45.5 percent to 51.1 percent. Women’s mobile phone use and access to bank accounts also remained high.

Child nutrition indicators improved; In children under five years of age, the prevalence of stunting decreased from 33.1 percent to 27 percent, from 21.7 percent to 16.9 percent, and the prevalence of underweight decreased from 31.8 percent to 27.8 percent. However, only 15.3 percent of children aged 6 to 23 months are adequately nourished, underscoring the need for better nutrition practices.