Anaemia Prevalence Trends Among Indian Women: A Study Based on National Family Health Survey Data

Abstract

Objective: To compare the prevalence of anaemia in India’s different states and union territories (UTs) and assess the changing trends in the prevalence and severity of anaemia in women of reproductive age over the past 15 years. The study looked at data from the National Family Health Survey factsheets. The factsheets from the National Family Health Survey 3, 4, and 5 have been cited for the same purpose. Material and Methods: This study is a secondary data analysis that reviewed the pertinent secondary literature and used data from National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-3, 4, and 5. Results: Between the NFHS 4 and 5, the prevalence of anaemia in all women aged 15–49 years increased from 53% to 57%, in pregnant women from 50.4% to 52.2%, and in non-pregnant women from 53.2% to 57.2%. Among women aged 15 to 49, the greatest rates of anaemia are seen in West Bengal, Assam (65.9%), and Tripura (67.2%). Conclusion: The Anaemia Mukt Bharat campaign was initiated in 2019 with the objective of mitigating the anaemia burden. However, over the course of the last 5 years, NFHS 5 shows a noteworthy increase in anaemia in women. This emphasizes the necessity of giving current programs a more effective makeover and implementation.