Prevalence of anemia in university going girls and its ratio between hostellites and day scholars.

Prevalence of anemia in university going girls

Abstract

Anemia is considered as a reduction in blood hemoglobin concentration. It is associated with micronutrient deficiency such as iron deficiency anemia. IDA has strong health implications on girls during reproductive age.

OBJECTIVE: Current research aimed to assess the prevalence of anemia in university going girls and to find its ratio between hostelites and day scholars.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study selected 50 university going girls between the ages of 18-30 years. 30 of them were hostelites and 20 were day scholars. Phlebotomy was done and dietary, lifestyle and menstruation information were collected through self-constructed questionnaire. Hemoglobin, red cell indices and peripheral smear were analyzed along with the assessment of clinical signs related to anemia and iron deficiency. Data was analyzed using SPSS software.

RESULTS: Anemia was present in 62% of the girls. Out of 30 hostelites, 14(46.7%) and out of 20 day scholars 17(85%) were anemic. Health status of day scholars evaluated that 58.8% of the underweight, 29.4% of normal healthy, 5.9% of both overweight and obese girls had anemia. Nutritional status of hostelites suggested that anemia was present in 35.7% of both underweight and healthy girls and 28.6% of overweight girls. Prevalence of iron deficiency anemia was 15% in day scholars and 3.3% of hostelites.

CONCLUSIONS: Present study concluded that the prevalence of anemia was high in day scholars than hostelites. Reason behind this may be due to consumption of unhealthy food and skipping of breakfast etc. It should be resolved by taking precautions, and free screenings.