Vol. 9, Special Issue 9, Part M (2025)

Rural women play a vital role in agricultural and economic development, engaging in numerous labor-intensive activities that demand substantial energy expenditure. Maintaining good health is therefore essential, which can be assessed through anthropometric measurements and hemoglobin levels. The present study investigated the socio-economic characteristics, food habits, and dietary intake of rural women in selected villages of Davanagere district, Karnataka, during 2020-21. The study villages included Nittur in Harihar taluk and Kulambi in Honnalli taluk. A total of 120 women were randomly selected, with 60 respondents from each village, to assess anthropometric indices and hemoglobin levels.

The primary objectives of the study were to examine the associations between hemoglobin levels and anthropometric indices, predict low and normal hemoglobin levels using combined indices, and evaluate differences in hemoglobin and anthropometric parameters among rural women. Women in these communities generally belong to low socio-economic groups, and the prevalence of undernutrition is often attributed to the combined effects of reproductive demands and chronically low dietary intake.

The study findings indicated that 84% of the respondents had normal weight, while 16% were overweight. These results highlight the importance of monitoring anthropometric and hematological indicators to understand nutritional status and inform interventions aimed at improving the health and productivity of rural women.