Seema Tiwari

@bhu.ac.in

Professor, Department of Geography, MMV, BHU, Varanasi
Banaras Hindu University

Seema Tiwari


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https://researchid.co/seematiwari
Dr. Seema Tiwari is an esteemed Professor at Mahila Mahavidyalaya (MMV), Banaras Hindu University, where she has established herself as a leading expert in Agricultural and Population Geography. After completing her M.A., M.Ed., and Ph.D. at Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University, she joined BHU and has spent over two decades bridging the gap between social science and spatial analysis. Her research primarily examines the socio-economic dynamics of Northern India, focusing on land-use patterns, regional development, and gender geography. Beyond her scholarly contributions and extensive publication record, she is recognized for her academic leadership at MMV, where she mentors the next generation of geographers and oversees the department’s curriculum with a focus on both theoretical depth and applied geographic techniques.

EDUCATION

RML,Awadh University, Faizabad Ph. D (2001)
RML,Awadh University, Faizabad M.A (1996)
RML,Awadh University, Faizabad B.A (1994)
RML,Awadh University, Faizabad M.Ed (1999)
RML,Awadh University, Faizabad B.Ed (1997)

RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS

Geography, Planning and Development, Demography, Gender Studies, Multidisciplinary
8

Scopus Publications

1

Scholar Citations

1

Scholar h-index

Scopus Publications

  • Disparities in integrated child development services use among adolescent mothers across Indian states: an analysis using the Andersen's behavioral model
    Subhojit Let, Mahashweta Chakrabarty, Seema Tiwari
    Children and Youth Services Review, 2026
  • Investigating anaemia vulnerability: determinants and changes in prevalence among adolescent girls in aspirational districts of India
    Subhojit Let, Mahashweta Chakrabarty, Seema Tiwari
    Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 2025
    The World Health Organization identifies adolescent girls as particularly prone to anaemia due to reproductive changes, with challenges being more pronounced in India’s ‘Aspirational Districts’ (ADs), which suffer from poor education and health. The study examines the prevalence of anaemia among adolescent girls in ADs and identifies associated determinants from 2015 to 2021. Data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-4 and NFHS-5, covering 21,637 and 19,879 adolescent girls aged 15–19 in ADs, were analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify the determinants of anaemia among adolescents. The results show a notable increase in anaemia among adolescent girls in ADs, where anaemia rates have climbed from 58.3% to 62.4%, surpassing the national average rise. Over this period, more than 65% of ADs saw an uptick in anaemia prevalence, affecting 75 out of 112 districts. Specifically, Barpeta in Assam recorded the highest increase in anaemia prevalence at 45.1% points, while Haridwar in Uttarakhand reported a decrease of 25.8% points. Additionally, anaemia prevalence was found higher among girls with higher parity, Muslim girls, and those from poorer households. Pooled regression revealed that adolescent girls with a higher number of children (AOR: 1.29), formerly married (AOR: 1.57), Scheduled Tribe (ST) girls (AOR: 1.44), and girls with amenorrhoea (AOR: 1.57) were highly associated with anaemia. Specialized healthcare and nutrition programs for adolescent girls, similar to those for pregnant women in ADs, are crucial. Focusing on formerly married girls, ST girls, and those with amenorrhoea will enhance access to health resources, reduce anaemia rates, and improve overall well-being.
  • Contextualising Anaemia Among Reproductive Women in West Bengal: Trends, Patterns, and Predictors
    Subhojit Let, Seema Tiwari, Aditya Singh
    Sexual and Reproductive Health of Women Dimensions and Perspectives, 2025
  • Prevalence and determinants of anaemia among women of reproductive age in Aspirational Districts of India: an analysis of NFHS 4 and NFHS 5 data
    Subhojit Let, Seema Tiwari, Aditya Singh, Mahashweta Chakrabarty
    BMC Public Health, 2024
    Background Over one-third of women worldwide suffer from anaemia. The prevalence of anaemia is particularly pronounced among women of reproductive age (WRA) in developing countries, such as India. No prior study has ever exclusively studied the prevalence of anaemia across the Aspirational Districts of India. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of anaemia across Aspirational Districts of India and to identify the determinants of anaemia among WRA in these districts. Methods From the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-4 (2015-16) and NFHS-5 (2019-21), data on 114,444 and 108,782 women aged 15–49 from Aspirational Districts were analyzed in our study, respectively. Bivariate statistics and multivariable binary logistic regression were used to identify the determinants of anaemia. Results The national prevalence of anaemia among WRA has increased from 53% in NFHS-4 to 57% in NFHS-5 whereas anaemia among WRA in Aspirational Districts has increased from 58.7% in NFHS-4 to 61.1% in NFHS-5. Between 2015 and 2021, over 60% of Aspirational Districts experienced an increase in the prevalence of anaemia and one-fourth, specifically 29 out of 112, observed a rise by at least 10 percentage points (pp). Notably, there are significant variations in anaemia prevalence among districts, with Simdega and Udalgiri having the highest anaemia prevalence in NFHS-4 and NFHS-5 at 78.2% and 81.5%, respectively. During this period, Barpeta followed by Udalgiri of Assam have witnessed the maximum increase with 29.4% and 26.7% respectively. Moreover, pooled regression results show women with three to four children [AOR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.08–1.17], women who breastfeed [AOR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.13–1.20], Scheduled Tribe women [AOR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.35–1.44], poorest women [AOR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.22–1.33] and women those who consume fish occasionally [AOR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.12–1.17] were more likely to be anaemic. Conclusion The significant increase in anaemia among WRA in Aspirational Districts of India is a matter of concern. Given the rise in anaemia among WRA, determinants-based and district-specific measures must be designed and implemented to reduce the prevalence of anaemia among Aspirational Districts of India.
  • IMPACT OF LANDHOLDING SIZE ON LIVING CONDITIONS OF FARMERS IN BAREILLY DISTRICT, UTTAR PRADESH
    Punjab Geographer, 2024
  • Effects of Educational and Socio-economic Factors on Child Marriages in India: A Statistical Analysis
    Shreyanshi Shukla, Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, Seema Tiwari
    Indian Journal of Human Development, 2024
    Child marriage poses a significant threat to a child’s freedom, right to education, health and overall development potential. This study examines the influence of educational factors and socio-economic development on the prevalence of child marriage in India. Using reliable data sources, a Pearson product–moment correlation analysis and a two-tailed significance P test were conducted to reveal relationships between child marriage, education and socio-economic factors. Additionally, artificial neural network structures were employed to develop a regression model that further validates these associations. This study demonstrates that regions with strong educational systems, high enrolment rates (especially for girls) and increased educational spending significantly reduce child marriage prevalence. In contrast, high student-to-teacher ratios and dropout rates exacerbate the issue. The analysis reveals a strong negative correlation between child marriage prevalence and socio-economic factors such as urbanisation, life expectancy, per capita income and the Human Development Index. Conversely, factors such as Hindu population percentage and infant mortality rates show a significant positive association. These findings underscore the necessity of investing in education and promoting socio-economic development to combat the deeply harmful practice of child marriage. Targeted interventions in these areas have the potential to protect children’s rights and create a brighter future for generations to come.
  • Spatiotemporal variations and determinants of overweight/obesity among women of reproductive age in urban India during 2005-2021
    Aditya Singh, Subhojit Let, Seema Tiwari, Mahashweta Chakrabarty
    BMC Public Health, 2023
    Background India has witnessed rapid urbanization in recent decades, leading to a worrisome surge in non-communicable diseases, particularly overweight/obesity, which now present a critical public health concern. Therefore, this study seeks to examine spatiotemporal variations and determinants of overweight/obesity among women of reproductive age (WRA) in urban India and its states during 2005-2021. Methods The study used 44,882, 171,443, and 135,272 WRA aged 15–49 from National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-3 (2005-06), NFHS-4 (2015-16), and NFHS-5 (2019-21), respectively. The outcome variable was overweight/obesity, defined as a Body Mass Index (BMI) of ≥ 25 kg/m2. Chi-squared test and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify the determinants of overweight/obesity. Results Overweight/obesity prevalence among WRA in urban India has risen significantly, from 23% in 2005-06 to 33% in 2019-21. This increase is particularly pronounced among SC/ST women and women with lower educational levels. During the study period, overweight/obesity rates in different states exhibited varying increases, ranging from 3 percentage points (pp) in Rajasthan to 22 pp in Odisha. Certain southern (e.g., Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh) and northeastern states saw a significant 15 pp or more increase. In contrast, several northern, central, and eastern states (e.g., Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal) experienced relatively smaller increases ranging from 5 to 8 pp. As of 2019-21, two regions exhibited high prevalence rates of overweight/obesity, exceeding 35%: the southern region (Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Karnataka) and the northern region (Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Haryana). In contrast, the Empowered Action Group states had relatively lower rates (25% or less) of overweight/obesity. Regression results showed that older women [AOR: 5.98, 95% CI: 5.71–6.27], those from the richest quintile [AOR: 4.23, 95% CI: 3.95–4.54], those living in south India [AOR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.72–1.82], and those having diabetes [AOR: 1.92, 95% CI: 1.83–2.02] were more likely to be overweight/obese. Conclusion Considering the significant increase in overweight/obesity among urban WRA in India, along with substantial disparities across states and socioeconomic groups, it is imperative for the government to formulate state-specific strategies and policies based on determinants to effectively combat overweight/obesity.
  • Spatiotemporal change in wealth-based inequalities in overweight/obesity among women of reproductive age in India, 2015–2021
    Subhojit Let, Seema Tiwari, Aditya Singh, Mahashweta Chakrabarty
    Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health, 2023
    BackgroundOverweight/obesity poses significant global health concerns, especially affecting women. This study aimed to measure changes in wealth-based inequality in overweight/obesity among women of reproductive age (WRA) across states of India from 2015 to 2021 and identify the contributing factors to this inequality.MethodsThe study used 582,851 and 587,435 women aged 15–49 from National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-4 (2015-16) and NFHS-5 (2019-21), respectively. Erreygers Concentration Index (ECI) was employed to measure the change in inequality over time. Further, ECI is decomposed to unravel the contributing factors to this inequality.ResultsOverweight/obesity increased among WRA from 20.3 % (NFHS-4) to 23.7 % (NFHS-5). However, wealth-based inequality in overweight/obesity among WRA has reduced marginally (ECI: 0.25 in NFHS-4, ECI: 0.23 in NFHS-5). Throughout the time the ECI indicated a pro-rich inequality in the overweight/obesity in India and its states. Among the 28 states, 8 have witnessed a significant increase in inequality, whereas 16 states have experienced significant reduction in inequality. For instance, Punjab witnessed the most significant increase (ECI: 0.10 in NFHS-4, ECI: 0.18 in NFHS-5) in inequality, while Maharashtra (ECI: 0.24 in NFHS-4, ECI: 0.16 in NFHS-5) saw the most significant reductions in inequality. The decomposition analysis results revealed women's education, mass media exposure, and place of residence were major contributors, contributing more than 80 % to wealth-based inequality in overweight/obesity.ConclusionThe study highlights the growing prevalence of overweight/obesity among WRA in India, emphasizing that wealth-related inequalities represent a significant public health concern both at the national and state levels in India.

RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

  • Gender disparity in Literacy in Bareilly district
    G Devi, S Tiwari
    National Geographical Journal of India, 88 , 0
    Citations: 1

MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

  • Gender disparity in Literacy in Bareilly district
    G Devi, S Tiwari
    National Geographical Journal of India, 88 , 0
    Citations: 1