Evaluation of Prevalence of Anemia and Its Sociodemographic Correlation among Undergraduate Medical College Students - A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Anemia is a global health problem. Adolescents are particularly prone to develop nutritional anemia. Undergraduate Medical College students come under vulnerable group that suffer anemia. Anemia, particularly due to iron deficiency during adolescence, may impair the physical & mental development as well as behavioral & cognitive development. Aims and objectives: A cross sectional study was conducted to measure the prevalence of anemia among undergraduate Medical students, to categorize anemia into major types and to compare the socio-demographic factors related to anemia. Material and methods: Blood samples were collected from 100 undergraduate Medical College students and processed by automated cell counter for Complete Blood Count (CBC). Peripheral blood smears were examined. NESTROFT and Sickling Test were performed wherever necessary. Thalassemia indices were calculated for suspected beta thalassemia trait cases. A structured questionnaire was filled by each student. Results: The overall prevalence of anemia among undergraduate students was found to be 45 % with anemia being significantly more prevalent among female students as compared to males (OR, 11.8; 95%CI: 4.7-32.3, p<0.0001). Microcytic hypochromic anemia constituted the most common type of anemia. Anemia was found to be significantly more prevalent in vegetarian students as compared to nonvegetarian students ((OR, 3.4; 95%CI: 1.45-8.32, p=0.0045). Conclusion: A high prevalence of anemia was observed among undergraduate students. Anemia constitutes a health problem amongst undergraduate students. Hence, implementation of educational, awareness, screening and nutritional programs is warranted with special reference to adolescent age group.