Pune: Women who use ‘Mishri’, a kind of tobacco used as tooth powder, are four times more prone to anaemia than those who don’t consume it at all, states a research study conducted by Hemlata Shedge, a graduate student of the psychology department from the SPPU. Shedge’s research focused on new mothers those consuming and those not consuming tobacco and its effect on their newborns.

The survey was conducted among 591 women in two government and two private hospitals. Of these women, 140 (23.69 per cent) had newborns with low weight. Besides, it also highlighted that women with no literacy in comparison to postgraduate women are nine times more anaemic. 

“Since anaemia is observed more in pregnant women, we wanted to study its effects likewise after they deliver a baby, especially those who consume ‘Mishri’,” said Shedge. Shedge, in her study, found that women who consume tobacco have less weight in comparison to those who don’t consume tobacco at all. Nevertheless, weight of newborns of these women were also comparatively less. 

As per the study, consumption of tobacco affects appetite and pregnancy of a woman. “Because tobacco lowers appetite, which eventually affects proper intake of food and reduces nutrients in the body. They seem to develop anaemia faster. Ultimately, affecting the baby’s health,” said Shedge. As per her findings, anaemia is largely detected among women in State. ‘Mishri’ is consumed predominantly in Maharashtra and more in women than in men, said the report of general agreement on trade in services (GATS). 

“Out of 10 main disease causing death, eight diseases are caused due to consumption of tobacco, which is poisonous,” said Shedge.

Research reveals shocking facts
- The survey was conducted among 591 women associated with two government hospitals and two private hospitals. Of these women, 140 (23.69 per cent) had newborns with low weight. Besides, it also highlighted that women with no literacy in comparison to postgraduate women are nine times more anaemic. 
- Out of 10 main disease causing death, eight diseases are caused due to consumption of tobacco, which is poisonous.