60% UT women anaemic

Data presented in the Rajya Sabha recently has revealed that 60.3 per cent women in the age group 15-49 years in the city are anaemic. In a reply, the Ministry of Women and Child Development quoted state-wise data by the National Family Health Survey 2019-21 on prevalence of anaemia among women aged 15-49 years.

Punjab and Himachal’s percentage of 58.7 and 53, respectively, highlights worrying figures on women health in the City Beautiful. Haryana has 0.1% more anaemic women than the city in the same age group.

Prof Ratti Ram Sharma, Head, Department of Transfusion Medicine (Blood Bank), said “Most commonly, the body doesn’t show any symptoms, which differentiate a healthy body from anaemic one. So, not many people, especially women, get themselves checked for haemoglobin (Hb), in other words iron deficiency.”

The Professor Sharma also blamed poor dietary habits and busy lifestyle as other major contributors to the high percentage of anaemic women in cities. “There’s a need for awareness in family and community movement to educate women on maintaining healthy Hb levels. Girl children and women in the family should be educated on the importance of iron-rich diet and regular blood check-ups. At the community level, the youth can help in dissemination of knowledge on anaemia in colleges and among public through other campaigns.”

While for women, the ideal Hb is 11.6 to 15 gm/DL, Professor Sharma recommends they should maintain it above or equal to 12.5 grams per decilitre (gm/DL), so that not just Chandigarh women are healthy but they also become part of the good cause of donating blood. He said, “There’s always a lesser percentage of women volunteers because a majority of Indian women are anaemic. So, a step towards woman health and eradicating anaemia will eventually lead to more female blood donors.”

Reasons behind condition

Poor Dietary Habits: Inadequate consumption of iron-rich foods such as leafy green vegetables, beans and fortified cereals.

Lack of awareness: Limited knowledge about anaemia, its symptoms and prevention strategies hinders timely intervention.

Busy lifestyle: Urban women often lead hectic lives, prioritising work and family responsibilities over self-care and healthy eating.

Inadequate healthcare access: Despite living in urban areas, some women may face barriers in accessing quality healthcare services, including diagnostic tests and treatment.

Poor menstrual health: Poor menstrual hygiene and inadequate management of menstrual health can lead to iron deficiency.

Remedies suggested by experts

Awareness on healthy eating habits and having iron-rich food

Get enrolled with iron supplementation programmes if suffering from deficiency

Menstrual health initiatives such as distribution of sanitary products and provision of safe and private spaces for menstrual hygiene

Regular health check-ups and timely treatment

Community-based interventions by local associations, schools and workplaces to provide nutrition counselling and encourage women to prioritise their health.