INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue VIII August 2025
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Socioeconomic Factors Contributing to Anemia in Pregnancy
Shivani¹, Dr. Neetu Yadav², Dr. Shalu Nehra
3
¹M.Sc. Scholar, Department of Home Science, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut, India
2,3
Assistant Professor, Department of Home Science, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut,
India
DOI: https://doi.org/10.51244/IJRSI.2025.120800103
Received: 22 Aug 2025; Accepted: 29 Aug 2025; Published: 10 September 2025
ABSTRACT
Anemia in pregnancy is a major global health problem affecting nearly 40% of women worldwide, with higher
prevalence in low- and middle-income countries. Iron deficiency remains the leading cause, but socioeconomic
factors such as income, education, occupation, and healthcare access significantly influence anemia risk. This
study, conducted among 250 pregnant women attending antenatal care at Subharti Hospital, Meerut, aimed to
investigate how socioeconomic disparities contribute to anemia prevalence. Data were collected using
structured questionnaires and medical records. Statistical analysis revealed strong associations between anemia
and lower education (p<0.01), low income (p<0.01), limited antenatal visits (p<0.05), poor dietary diversity
(p<0.01), and lack of supplementation (p<0.01). Cultural restrictions and weak social support further
exacerbated the problem. The findings highlight that beyond biological causes, socioeconomic inequalities
play a pivotal role in maternal anemia. Strengthening health education, improving dietary intake, ensuring
affordable supplements, and enhancing healthcare access can significantly reduce the burden of anemia in
pregnancy.
Keywords— Anemia in pregnancy, Socioeconomic factors, Iron deficiency, Maternal health, India
INTRODUCTION
Anemia in pregnancy is a significant public health concern globally and is particularly prevalent in developing
countries, where nutritional deficiencies and socio-economic inequalities are widespread. According to the
World Health Organization (WHO, 2021), approximately 41.8% of pregnant women worldwide are anemic,
with India alone contributing to a large proportion of cases. In India, maternal anemia is one of the leading
causes of maternal morbidity and mortality, affecting both maternal and neonatal outcomes (RamaRao et al.,
2015).
Iron deficiency remains the most common cause, but folate and vitamin B12 deficiencies also play critical
roles (Cogswell et al., 2013). The physiological demand for iron increases sharply during pregnancy due to
expansion of maternal blood volume, placental development, and fetal growth (Dror & Allen, 2011). When
this demand is not met, anemia develops, leading to complications such as preterm delivery, low birth weight,
stillbirth, and maternal death (Bhatia et al., 2016).
However, anemia is not only a nutritional disorder but also a socially determined health condition. Studies
highlight that women from low socio-economic groups are disproportionately affected due to inadequate
access to healthcare, poor dietary diversity, and low educational attainment (Mohan et al., 2020; Singh et al.,
2018). Cultural food restrictions, early marriages, high parity, and lack of social support further exacerbate the
problem (Kumar et al., 2019).
Given these challenges, the present study seeks to examine the socioeconomic determinants of anemia in
pregnancy in Meerut district, Uttar Pradesh. By analyzing income, education, occupation, healthcare access,
and cultural practices, the study aims to provide evidence for designing integrated nutritional and socio-
economic interventions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue VIII August 2025
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REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Previous studies highlight that anemia prevalence is highest among women from rural and low-income groups.
Galloway (2003) reported up to 60% prevalence in developing countries, while Mohan et al. (2020) found
strong links between low SES and anemia risk. Dror & Allen (2011) identified poor dietary intake as a major
contributor, whereas RamaRao et al. (2015) emphasized maternal education as a protective factor. Cultural
dietary restrictions and inadequate supplementation also worsen the condition. Despite multiple interventions,
anemia remains persistently high, suggesting the need for context-specific research.
Objectives
1. To examine the relationship between socioeconomic status and anemia prevalence in pregnancy.
METHODOLOGY
Study Design: Cross-sectional descriptive study.
Study Area: Meerut, Uttar Pradesh.
Sample Size: 250 pregnant women aged 25–35 years.
Tools: Structured questionnaire (covering socioeconomic factors, living conditions, cultural practices,
and social support) and medical records for hemoglobin levels.
Analysis: Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests using SPSS.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Table 1: Age Distribution of Respondents (N=250)
Age Group
Frequency
Percentage (%)
18–24 years
58
23.2
25–29 years
92
36.8
30–35 years
70
28.0
36 and above
30
12.0
Total
250
100
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
18–24 years 25–29 years 30–35 years 36 and above Total
Frequency Percentage (%)
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue VIII August 2025
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Most respondents were young adults, with the highest proportion (36.8%) in the 25–29 years group. This
reflects national data where anemia is most common in reproductive-age women, particularly in younger age
groups due to poor dietary intake and early pregnancies (WHO, 2021). Similar findings were reported by
Viveki et al. (2012), who observed that women aged 20–29 years had the highest anemia prevalence in
Karnataka, India.
Table 2: Educational Status of Respondents
Percentage (%)
22
28
30
12
8
Nearly half of the participants (50%) had only primary or no education. Women with lower education had
significantly higher anemia prevalence (p<0.01). Education influences awareness of nutrition and supplement
use; RamaRao et al. (2015) similarly concluded that uneducated women were less likely to consume iron–folic
acid tablets, resulting in higher anemia prevalence.
Table 3: Monthly Household Income
Income Group
Frequency
Percentage (%)
< ₹10,000
90
36.0
₹10,000 – ₹20,000
85
34.0
₹20,000 – ₹30,000
40
16.0
₹30,000 – ₹50,000
25
10.0
> ₹50,000
10
4.0
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
No formal
education
Primary school Secondary school Higher secondary Graduate and
above
Percentage (%)
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue VIII August 2025
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Around 70% of respondents belonged to households earning below ₹20,000/month, indicating poor financial
resources. Low income limits access to diverse and iron-rich foods, increasing anemia risk. Dror & Allen
(2011) highlighted that dietary diversity is strongly correlated with income levels, especially in low-income
regions. Mohan et al. (2020) also confirmed that women from lower SES groups in rural India faced higher
anemia rates due to poor affordability of supplements and healthcare.
Table 4: Dietary Intake of Iron-Rich Foods
Frequency of Intake
Percentage (%)
Daily
18
2–3 times per week
32
Once per week
34
Never
16
Only 18% consumed iron-rich foods daily, while 16% never consumed them. Poor dietary diversity was a
strong predictor of anemia (p<0.01). Similar results were reported by Toteja et al. (2006), who found that
inadequate dietary iron intake was a key factor for high anemia prevalence (85%) among Indian women.
Cultural practices restricting animal-source foods further aggravate this issue (Kumar et al., 2019).
Table 5: Self-Reported Symptoms of Anemia
Symptom
Percentage (%)
Fatigue
72
Dizziness
56
0
20
40
60
80
100
< ₹10,000 ₹10,000 –
₹20,000
₹20,000 –
₹30,000
₹30,000 –
₹50,000
> ₹50,000
Frequency Percentage (%)
0
10
20
30
40
Daily 2–3 times per
week
Once per week Never
Percentage (%)
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue VIII August 2025
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Pale skin
45
Headaches
34
Shortness of breath
28
None
12
Fatigue (72%) and dizziness (56%) were the most commonly reported symptoms. A similar symptom profile
was described by Bhatia et al. (2016), who linked chronic fatigue and breathlessness to moderate-to-severe
anemia in pregnant women. Interestingly, 12% reported no symptoms despite low hemoglobin, reflecting the
“hidden burden” of anemia that requires laboratory diagnosis rather than symptom-based assessment
(Teichman et al., 2021).
CONCLUSION
This study demonstrates that anemia in pregnancy is strongly influenced by socioeconomic factors beyond
biological deficiencies. Low income, poor education, limited antenatal visits, cultural restrictions, and weak
social support all contribute to its persistence. Policies should integrate healthcare access with socio-
economic interventions, including nutrition education, affordable supplementation, and community-based
awareness campaigns. Addressing these determinants is essential to reduce anemia prevalence and improve
maternal health outcomes in India.
REFERENCES
1. Bhatia, P., Sharma, S., & Gupta, M. (2016). Anemia in pregnancy: Prevalence and impact. Indian J
Med Res, 144(6), 885-890.
2. Mohan, P., Madan, N., & Thomas, S. (2020). Socioeconomic disparities in maternal health. Int J Public
Health, 65(5), 593-602.
3. Singh, R., Singh, P., & Joshi, S. (2018). Urban-rural differences in anemia during pregnancy. BMC
Pregnancy and Childbirth, 18(1), 254.
4. Kumar, A., Singh, R., & Gupta, S. (2019). Cultural practices and maternal anemia. Health Policy and
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI |Volume XII Issue VIII August 2025
Page 1174
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10. Cogswell, M. E., Looker, A. C., & Lacher, D. A. (2013). Iron status of the U.S. population. Am J Clin
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11. Dror, D. K., & Allen, L. H. (2011). Effect of vitamin B12 deficiency on pregnancy and infant
outcomes. Am J Clin Nutr, 94(6), 1680S-1686S.