Almost 99% women in Andhra Pradesh are anemic, according to a recent scientific study. The study by the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that anemia in the state cuts across socio-economic factors such as class and place of residence. It says 49.5% of women are anemic, 32.4% are mildly anemic, 14.9% moderately anemic and 2.2% severely anemic. The poorest rural and urban women are at greater risk and have similar probabilities of being anemic, the study says.

As many as 4,032 married women in the 15- 49 age group from 3,872 households across the state were contacted for the study. According to Dr B Kalidas, civil surgeon and RMO, Government Maternity Hospital, it was a myth that poor women were anemic and rich women were healthy. "They are all anemic, relatively." The hospital which deals with more than 300 antenatal cases and around 30 deliveries everyday has recorded that more than 95 % of women visiting the hospital were anemic.

Dr Kalidas explained that with poor urban or rural women, the problem lies with lack of education and access to healthcare coupled with financial problems. Discrimination of female children as regards nutritious food is also a major reason. " This results in anemia which is more pronounced during pregnancy. The anemic mother gives birth to an anemic baby and the cycle continues," he said.

The problem with well-to-do urban or rural women lies with their schedules, missing meals and stress, all resulting in anemia.

"Women do not feel the burden of anemia or health problems when they are young. It is during pregnancy that anemia makes its presence felt and women face various health problems," Dr Kalidas said.

The problem of anemia in women can be solved, according to the study, by new and innovative strategies, particularly targeted at improving the overall health and nutrition status of adolescent girls before they enter their reproductive years.