Prevalence and risk factors of anaemia among men: A study based on Empowered Action Group states, India

Despite various programmes initiated by the Government of India, the nutritional indicators are not encouraging, as several problems like undernutrition, malnutrition and anaemia - still persist in the country, especially in the Empowered Action Group (EAG) states.

Because of the dearth of studies regarding anaemia among men in India, the present study aimed to determine its prevalence in this population in the EAG states and to analyse its geographical and socio-demographic determinants.

The study utilized nationally representative, cross-sectional survey data from round 4 of the National Family Health Survey conducted in 2015-16. Bivariate analysis along with binary logistic regression were performed to assess the predictors of anaemia among men in the EAG states.

Around a quarter of the men in the EAG states suffered from anaemia. A similar high-prevalence pattern was observed across the EAG states. Wherein, Bihar and Jharkhand had the highest prevalence of anaemia while Uttarakhand showed the lowest. Age, place of residence, marital status and caste were positively associated with the likelihood of anaemia among men in the EAG states.

Focusing on the EAG states, this study considered the severity of anaemia as a public health problem among men. Strategies to reduce the burden of anaemia among this population are needed. The government should formulate programmes targeting anaemia specifically, and improving the nutritional status among men in general in the EAG states.