According to a study published in ‘Scientific Reports’, approximately 58.5% of Indian children below the age of five are anaemic. This alarming statistic was reached following an analysis of data from over one lakh children, obtained during the National Family Health Survey conducted in 2015-16. The key contributing factors to this public health concern were identified as socio-demographic characteristics such as family wealth, maternal education, maternal age, and residential type.
Understanding Anemia
The World Health Organization describes anemia as a condition where the body’s red blood cell count or oxygen-carrying capacity is insufficient to cater for physiological needs. This disorder is predominantly caused by iron deficiency and can also result from other conditions like chronic inflammation, parasitic infections, folate, vitamin B12 and A deficiencies, and inherited disorders. Symptoms of severe anemia include fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and drowsiness, with pregnant women and children being particularly susceptible.
Influence of Maternal Education on Childhood Anemia
The level of mother’s education heavily influences the likelihood of a child being anaemic. Mothers who have received more education are generally more aware of health-related issues, and take preventive measures accordingly. There is an inverse relation between a mother’s education and the incidence of childhood anemia, meaning that the higher the level of a mother’s education, the lower the probability of her child being anaemic.
Impact of Family Wealth
At the economic level, the incidence of anaemia is directly tied to family wealth, reflecting disparities in access to nutrition and healthcare. In wealthy households, around 52.9% of children were recorded as anaemic, whilst the figure rose to 63.2% in the poorest households. Thus, while the problem is pervasive, being found in rich households too, it is more prevalent in poverty-stricken households.
Relation between Maternal Age and Anaemia
There’s a negative correlation between the age of the mother and the incidence of anaemia in children. Younger mothers tend to have more anaemic children, attributed to their immaturity and inability to ensure proper nutrition for their children, as well as limited authority over resource allocation in the household.
The Role of Government Efforts
| Program | Year Launched |
|---|---|
| Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) | 2018 |
| Weekly Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation (WIFS) Programme | N/A |
| Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) | N/A |
| National Nutritional Anemia Control Program (NNACP) | N/A |
Need for Comprehensive Policy Intervention
There is a clear need for a broader health strategy to combat the anaemia crisis effectively. This includes bridging the gap between policy and practice. It is essential to consider maternal health, as anaemia in mothers can lead to premature delivery and thereby childhood anaemia. Additionally, the influence of paternal and overall household factors should be incorporated into policy frameworks for a more comprehensive intervention at the household level.