A recent study published in The Lancet Global Health draws focus to a significant yet overlooked health issue in India. The study reveals that 23.5% of Indian men, within the age group of 15-54 years, suffer from anaemia. Traditionally, population-based studies on anaemia in India have mostly centred on women and children, leaving men largely unnoticed. This ignorance towards male anaemia is despite its adverse effects on health and economic productivity. Worldwide, it’s estimated that around 1.9 billion people (27%) had anaemia in 2013, with 93% of these cases occurring in low- and middle-income countries.
Key Findings of The Study
The prevalence of anaemia among men in India is categorized into mild (18%), moderate (5%), and severe (0.5%). There is also a wide state-wise variation in the prevalence of anaemia, with the lowest seen in Manipur at 9% and the highest in Bihar at 33%. The study found men with less education, less household wealth, and those residing in rural areas were more likely to be anaemic. Additionally, a higher prevalence has been observed for younger age groups, while the lowest prevalence has been observed for the age group of 50-54 years. On the contrary, men aged between 20-34 years should ideally have the lowest probability of having anaemia. Factors like consuming smokeless tobacco, being underweight, levels of urbanisation, and household wealth are associated with a higher likelihood of developing this disease.
Anaemia: Definition and Common Causes
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines anaemia as a condition characterized by an insufficiency in the number of red blood cells or their oxygen-carrying capacity, affecting physiological needs. Most commonly caused by iron deficiency, anaemia can also be a result of other conditions such as folate, vitamin B12 and vitamin A deficiencies, chronic inflammation, parasitic infections, and inherited disorders. Severe anaemia is associated with symptoms like fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and drowsiness, and particularly affects pregnant women and children.
India’s Initiative Against Anaemia
In 2018, the government of India launched Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) under the Intensified National Iron Plus Initiative (NIPI) Program. The aim was to accelerate the annual rate of decline of anaemia from one to three percentage points. The target groups for AMB are children (aged between 6-59 months and 5-9 years), adolescent boys and girls (10-19 years), women of reproductive age (15-49 years), pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
Quick Facts About Anaemia
| Worldwide Prevalence | 1.9 billion people (27% of the global population) |
|---|---|
| Anaemia in India | 23.5% men (Aged 15-54 years) |
| Lowest Prevalence in India (State) | 9% in Manipur |
| Highest Prevalence in India (State) | 33% in Bihar |
Consequences and Preventive Measures of Anaemia in Men
Anaemia in men can decrease productivity, causing fatigue, difficulty in concentrating, and lethargy. Although it doesn’t affect the intergenerational cycle of malnutrition, anaemia can reduce overall work performance and quality of life. To prevent this, measures include the distribution of iron tablets, food fortification with iron, and increasing awareness about anaemia and various nutritional deficiencies.
The Way Forward
Currently, anaemia control measures in India are predominantly focussed on women and children. Including men within the target population could help to eliminate anaemia more completely from the country.
