Mapping Risk Factors of Anemia in India: A Multilevel Analysis through a Gender Lens across Regions

Arup Jana, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS)
Aparajita Chattopadhyay, International Institute for Population Sciences, India

The present study investigates the risk factors of anemia among women and men in India, focusing on six regions. By analyzing nationally representative data from various sources, including the National Sample Survey, Water Resources Information System, and National Family and Health Survey-5 (2019-21), the study aims to identify determinants of anemia and understand its gender disparities. The prevalence of anemia is significantly higher among women (56%) compared to men (25%). Environmental factors, such as substance abuse, inadequate access to safe drinking water, unhygienic sanitation facilities, and exposure to contaminated groundwater, disproportionately affect women. Micronutrient deficiencies, particularly iron, folate, and protein deficiencies, significantly impact women across all regions of India. Furthermore, it is observed that women in the Central and Northern regions are more prone to anemia due to micronutrient deficiencies. In predominantly vegetarian regions like North and Western parts of India, both men and women exhibit heightened susceptibility to anemia caused by protein deficiency. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the variables influencing gender-specific anemia occurrence and offer a basis for tailored policy interventions aimed at reducing anemia prevalence across diverse regions in India.

Keywords: Gender Dynamics

See paper.