Examining the relation of wealth and status of women with Anemia
Student name: Mr Kartik Yadav
Guide: Dr Nidhi Pande
Year of completion: 2012
Host Organisation: School of Liberal Studies, Ambedkar University, New Delhi
Supervisor (Host Organisation): Dr Priya Bhagowalia
Abstract: Despite all efforts by the government to reduce anemia, there has been an increase in number
of anemic women and children as per NFHS-3 report. Low income is considered to be one of
the causes of anemia, especially in an inefficient social support system like India‘s. This
research investigates the prevalence of anemia among all wealth categories of women and the
impact of rising wealth on hemoglobin levels. Even though wealth was found to significantly
increase hemoglobin levels, a large percent of richest women were anemic. Our crosssectional
analysis shows that protective factors for anemia include high exposure to
information, high education, lower consumption of alcohol, and belonging to rural household.
We also look at the extent by which wealth which raises status of the women contribute to
her hemoglobin levels and find it to contribute positively and significantly.. Government can
consider income transfers as possible policy intervention if associated with increased IES
(Information, Education and Status).
