SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH ANAEMIA AMONG WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE IN THE INDIAN POPULATION

Introduction: Anaemia remains a major public health challenge among Indian women of reproductive age (15–49 years), with over 50% affected according to NFHS-5. Iron deficiency, compounded by poor nutrition, infections, and sociodemographic disparities, is the primary cause. Objectives: This study aimed to estimate anaemia prevalence and identify key sociodemographic factors—such as age, education, income, residence, and marital status—associated with anaemia among Indian women.  Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of NFHS-5 data was conducted. Women with haemoglobin <12 g/dL were classified as anaemic. Chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression were applied to evaluate associations.  Results: Anaemia prevalence was highest among adolescents (59.8%), women with no formal education (68.2%), the poorest quintile (67.1%), and rural residents (59.2%). Significant predictors included low education (AOR 2.1), rural residence (AOR 1.6), low income (AOR 2.3), and younger age (AOR 1.7). Conclusion: Anaemia is strongly influenced by sociodemographic inequities. Interventions targeting adolescent girls, rural populations, and economically disadvantaged groups—along with improved female education—are essential for reducing anaemia burden in India.