Publication:

Socio-demographic factors associated with anaemia among non-pregnant and non-lactating women from low-income families in two selected districts of Madhya Pradesh state of India: a random forest analysis

Background Anaemia is one of the most common public health challenges. The objective of this paper was to estimate the prevalence of anaemia among non-pregnant and non-lactating women (NPNLW) (15-49 years) from low-income families and to assess the associations between socio-demographic and economic factors, and the prevalence of anaemia.

Methods Primary data of non-pregnant and non-lactating women of reproductive age (15 to 49 years) from low-income families collected from two selected districts of Madhya Pradesh state, India were used. Inferential statistical tools like; multiple binary logistic regressions and random forest analysis were adopted to assess the socio-demographic and economic factors associated with anaemia.

Results The results revealed that prevalence of anaemia in both the districts are quite high at 60.8% (95% CI: 58.6%, 62.9%) in Vidisha to 63.7% (95% CI: 61.6%, 65.7%) in Raisen with mean haemoglobin levels of 11.27±1.92 g/dl in Vidisha to 11.24±1.70 g/dl in Raisen, which is close to <12 g/dl cut-off based on WHO categorization. It was also found that those who are from the scheduled caste and other castes were less likely to be anaemic compared to those who were from scheduled tribes in Vidisha district. Majority of women not consuming iron supplements were found to be anaemic.

Conclusions Education was observed to be the most predominant factor inversely associated with anaemia. Age and the type of household were also found to be associated factors. Along with supplementation and nutrition education, fortification of foods is also recommended in addressing the anaemia burden.