Burden of Anemia and its potential predictors among Scheduled Tribe Pregnant Women in India

Abstract

The most recent round of the National Family and Health Survey (NFHS-5) and earlier rounds indicate that anemia has significantly increased in India. This alarming finding may even be worse for scheduled tribe women. The present study examines the prevalence and predictors of anemia among pregnant tribal women. Bivariate and multivariate techniques have been used. While assessing access to health care and supplementation services, an additional analysis has been carried out considering women who have delivered their last child in the past four years. Findings suggest that anaemia is higher among pregnant tribal women than their counterparts for severe (2.3% vs 1.3%) and moderate anemia (32% vs 25%) respectively. The adjusted odds ratios confirm that tribal pregnant women are significantly at higher risk for severe [OR=1.17; p<0.001] and moderate anemia [OR=1.23; p<0.001]. Pregnancy at younger age group, higher birth order, lower wealth quintile and rural women are at higher risk for developing anemia. Additionally, women having low dietary diversity and non-improved toilet facility are more likely to be at risk of developing anemia. The study concludes that along with the health care and supplementary services during pregnancy, the continuum of care approach should place a greater emphasis on dietary diversity and household environment.