High Prevalence of Anaemia among Women in Mumbai, India

Iron-deficiency anaemia is highly prevalent among women of reproductive age in South-East Asia. In this study, the haemoglobin levels of 2,813 women living in inner-city Mumbai, India, were measured as part of a reproductive health study. Women were recruited over a two-year period at three health facilities providing pregnancy and post-partum services. Five reproductive groups were studied, and the haemoglobin values differed significantly among the groups. Infertile women and women without living children had the highest haemoglobin values ( p <.01). However, a least-squares regression analysis of factors affecting haemoglobin status accounted for only 16% of the variability observed. The study concludes that nutritional interventions that focus on reducing fertility or iron supplementation during pregnancy are beneficial, but many women remain iron deficient. Action is needed to improve nutritional status before pregnancy—a policy that is feasible given the current interest in adolescent sexual and reproductive health programmes.