Abstract
Aim
In India, the prevalence of anemia among women of age group 15–49 years is much higher and it is necessary to see the effect of lifestyle behaviors on women’s anemia level for better understanding of women’s health in eight empowered action group (EAG) states.
Subject and methods
This research investigates the prevalence and determinants of anemia among women in EAG states. The researcher has examined the effect of lifestyle variables on the anemia level of women of age group 15–49 years in EAG states. This study utilizes the data obtained from National Family Health Survey (NFHS-3, 2005–06). Bivariate and multivariate analyses are used as well as the multinomial regression analysis and multiple classification analysis conversion model to calculate adjusted percentage of anemia level of women.
Results
Prevalence of anemia was high among all women. About 40.0 % of women had mild, 13.0 % had moderate, and 1.4 % had severe anemia. Those women who belong to the 15–19 year age group, no and low education, poorest quintile and 3+ children are significantly more likely to be anemic. Those women who are under weight, have been working in the past years, smoke and chew tobacco, have no exposure to mass media and never eating pulses and fruits are found to be more anemic.
Conclusion
The present study shows that lifestyle variables play a significant role in causing anemia among non-pregnant women in reproductive age groups.
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Acknowledgements
The author thanks the International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai for providing the National Family Health Survey III 2005–2006 data.
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The author declares that there is no conflict of interest.
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Singh, R.K. Lifestyle behavior affecting prevalence of anemia among women in EAG states, India. J Public Health 21, 279–288 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-012-0548-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-012-0548-1