Prevalence and determinants of anaemia and effect of different interventions amongst tea tribe adolescent girls living in Dibrugarh district of Assam

Abstract

Problem consideredAnaemia, associated with lower productivity and higher sickness rate and absenteeism. Adolescent health has inter-generational effect. Morbidity status during adolescent has implication on future safe motherhood, optimum growth and development of foetus and children. AimsTo assess, prevalence and determinants of anaemia and effect of different interventions amongst tea tribe adolescent girls. MethodsA community based intervention study was conducted covering 16 tea estates of Dibrugarh district, Assam. Variables includes socio-demographic, environmental, anthropometry, history of present and past illness, clinical examination and laboratory investigation including haemoglobin, serum ferritin, sickling test and routine stool examination. Interventions like weekly IFA supplementation, dietary diversification, health promotion by monthly NHED, cooking demonstration, cooking competition and kitchen garden promotion was done. SPSS and EpiInfo software, used to calculate of rates, ratios, chi-square test, Fisher Exact test. ResultsEnrolments were 802, with mean age, 14.8 years. Anaemia prevalence was 96.3% with median serum ferritin, 22.9 ng/ml. Prevalence of sickle cell anaemia was, 12% and helminthiasis 84.20%. Health related complaints, significantly more frequent amongst older adolescents (p < 0.000). History of passage of worms (9.1%), night blindness (5.6%), weakness (62.1%), loss of appetite (37.5%), gum bleeding (23.6%), loose motion (13%), loss of weight (9.9%), menstrual problem (19.3%) were common. Following intervention mean haemoglobin difference was 1.48 g/dl with 13.5% difference in prevalence. Associated morbidities showed significant improvement following active intervention. ConclusionsHigh anaemia prevalence requires urgent attention to avoid preventable morbidities. Integrated different intervention implementation found effective in reducing the burden of anaemia and associated factor.