Integrating Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches to Understand the Nutrition Transition in India

Paula Griffiths, Loughborough University
Margaret Bentley, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

We explore differences in body mass index, diet, and lifestyle factors between women of varying socioeconomic status in rural and urban South India. We use NFHS2 data, as well as in-depth interviews and focus groups with women in Karnataka. We model predictors of overweight (BMI > 25) and underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2). The NFHS2 did not collect detailed diet or activity data. The qualitative research aimed to fill these gaps, aid understanding of factors affecting obesity, and compare these across socioeconomic groups, thus synthesizing with findings from the quantitative work. Prevalence of undernutrition is high for rural women (nearly 40%) and for overweight it is high for rich women living in large urban areas (nearly 40%). Knowledge of unhealthy foods is good in all socioeconomic groups, although the rich consume a less healthy diet and lead more sedentary lifestyles. Poor women are active because of household and work responsibilities.