Supporting dataset for "Deworming and micronutrient status by community open defecation prevalence: An observational study using nationally representative data from India, 2016–2018"

Micronutrient deficiencies are widespread in India. Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are acquired by interaction with soil and water contaminated by human feces and lead to blood loss and poor micronutrient absorption. The current recommendation for control of STH-related morbidity is targeted deworming, yet little is known about the effectiveness of deworming on micronutrient status in varying sanitation contexts. Ranging between 1% and 40% prevalence across Indian states, open defecation (OD) remains high despite India’s investments at elimination by promoting community-wide sanitation. This variation provides an opportunity to study the relationship between deworming, micronutrient status, and OD at-scale.

Keywords

Micronutrient deficiencies; Iron deficiency anemia; Defecation; Folate deficiency; Food; India; Sanitation; Vitamin B12 deficiency