Correlation of Nutritional Status with Haematological Profile in Undergraduate Medical Students

Abstract

Background and Aim: Anaemia is a major global health problem affecting all sections of the population. Adolescents are vulnerable to malnutrition and anaemia. Considering the ever rising burden of anaemia in our country, the present study was carried out to detect prevalence of anaemia in undergraduate medical students and to evaluate correlation between nutritional status and anaemia. Correlation between gender and anaemia was also analysed. Methods: Study was carried out in 60 students of I MBBS. Complete blood count was processed on automated haematology analyser. A peripheral blood smear was studied for cell morphology. Dietary history was taken by providing questionnaire and Body mass index (BMI) was calculated using standard protocol. Results were analysed using SPSS. Results: Anaemia was detected in 23.33% students with higher prevalence in female students (44%). Anaemia and its severity were significantly associated with gender. Overall 43.33% students were found to be malnourished. 19.23% of malnourished students were anaemic. 26.47% students with normal BMI were also found to be anaemic. There was no significant association of BMI with anaemia. Variations in values of red cell indices were detected in 08 non-anaemic students, leukocytosis with monocytosis in 01 non-anaemic student and thrombocytosis in 03 anaemic female students. Conclusion: Medical students should be regularly screened for anaemia. Dietary history should be combined with BMI for complete nutritional assessment. Education of students regarding consumption of balanced diet is necessary to prevent nutritional anaemia. Red cell indices should be used to detect anaemia even before fall in haemoglobin levels. Keywords: Anaemia, Body mass index, Haemoglobin, Red cell indices, RDW, Diet.