The invisible burden: Investigating anaemia in apparently healthy males

• Author Details:   
• Dhiraj J Trivedi ^*

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Introduction: The National Health Mission's “Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) 2008” initiative primarily focuses on addressing anaemia among females. Efforts are taken to exterminate anaemia but much efforts need to be put in. Anaemia is at high in females and male population is prejudice to be devoid of this condition however it is not so. Almost three males out of ten are anaemic.

Aim: The present study was aimed to investigate the incidence of anaemia among 700 apparently healthy male industry workers in 18 and 59years age group.

Result: Among the 700 apparently healthy male industrial workers, 342 (48.86%) were anaemic. Based on concentration of Hb, 18.71% were classified as mildly anaemic, 22.29% as moderately anaemic and 7.86% as severely anaemic. Anaemia prevalence was notably higher among individuals belonging to low- and moderate-income groups, with an incidence rate of approximately 60%. Within the 462 participants who regularly consumed tea, coffee, or tobacco, 21.55% exhibited severe anaemia, while 17.93% were moderately anaemic. Furthermore, among the 154 alcohol consumers, 13% were severely anaemic, and 6% demonstrated moderate anaemia. These findings underscore the potential influence of lifestyle habits and socioeconomic factors on anaemia prevalence in male industrial workers, emphasizing the need for targeted nutritional interventions and awareness programs.

Conclusion: The findings of this study highlight that apparently healthy males are equally susceptible to anaemia, although not traditionally being considered a high-risk group. Several contributing factors, including occupational constraints, dietary habits, and lifestyle choices, appear to increase their vulnerability. Additionally, socioeconomic limitations, habitual consumption of tea, coffee, or tobacco, and poor sanitary practices further worsen the condition. These insights emphasize the need to expand public health initiatives, such as Anaemia Mukt Bharat, to comprehensively include males, ensuring a more equitable approach to anaemia prevention and management.