West Delhi Research Articles

IODINE STATUS OF PREGNANT WOMEN RESIDING IN URBAN SLUMS IN DELHI

Objectives: The present study was carried out to determine the iodine nutrition status among pregnant women in slums of West Delhi.Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out among the third-trimester pregnant women residing in urban slums of West Delhi. Urinary iodine concentration was estimated using ammonium persulfate method, and salt iodine was estimated using iodometric titration.Results: Of the total 180 pregnant women, 70.6% were consuming adequately iodized salt (iodine levels ≥15 ppm). Median urinary iodine level for the pregnant women was 147.5 μg/L indicating iodine deficiency among this group. A total of 51.1% of women had urinary iodine levels <150 μg/L.Conclusion: Pregnant women belonging to slum community from Delhi have a suboptimal iodine status. Further, the proportion of women consuming iodized salt is less than the national average indicating the need to educate these women about the importance of iodine during pregnancy.

HOMOCYSTEINE STATUS OF ELDERLY SLUM WOMEN IN DELHI

Objective: The study was undertaken to assess homocysteine levels among economically deprived elderly women in Delhi.Methods: The study was carried out among elderly women aged 60–70 years residing in Kirti Nagar slums of West Delhi. Blood samples were collected, and serum homocysteine was analyzed using chemiluminescent immunometric assay. Hyperhomocysteinemia was defined as serum homocysteine >15 μmol/l. Dietary information was also collected using 24 h dietary recall method and food frequency questionnaire.Results: The prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia was 16.9%. The mean serum homocysteine was 12.35±6.43 μmol/l. Serum homocysteine levels ranged from 3.84 to 35.20 μmol/l. It was observed that hyperhomocysteinemia was higher in vegetarians (31.2%) compared to non-vegetarians (6.7%).Conclusion: The prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia is higher among vegetarians than non-vegetarians. Further, research is necessary to see the effect of elevated homocysteine in multiple age-related diseases.

PREVALENCE OF HYPERTENSION AMONG ELDERLY RESIDING IN SLUMS OF WEST

Objective: The present study was carried out to assess the prevalence of hypertension among elderly in slums of West Delhi.Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 202 elderly residing in urban slums of West Delhi. Hypertension was classified as per JNC VII criteria. Blood pressure was measured twice using digital machine (OMRON) after an interval of 5 min. The data obtained were analyzed for percent prevalence, mean, standard deviation, and median.Results: The overall prevalence of hypertension was 49.1%; higher among male (56.0%) than female (41.9%). The prevalence of Stage I, Stage II, and isolated systolic hypertension was 30.7%, 18.8%, and 47%, respectively.Conclusion: Almost half of the elderly population in slums was hypertensive. Periodical health checkup and management through treatment and dietary and lifestyle modification is needed.

DYSLIPIDEMIA AMONG THE ELDERLY IN SLUMS OF WEST DELHI

Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the prevalence of dyslipidemia among the elderly in slums of West Delhi.Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in slums of West Delhi covering a total of 234 elderly aged 60 and above. 5 ml blood was collected from 103 elderly and was analyzed for serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol by enzymatic method using fully automatic analyzer (Roche Hitachi-902). Dyslipidemia was defined using the National Cholesterol Education Program, ATP-III guidelines.Results: The overall prevalence of high cholesterol (≥200 mg/dl), high triglyceride (≥150 mg/dl), low HDL cholesterol (male - <40 mg/dl; female - <50 mg/dl), and high LDL cholesterol (≥130 mg/dl) was 20.39%, 45.63%, 64.08%, and 17.31%, respectively.Conclusion: Low HDL cholesterol and high triglyceride were the most form of dyslipidemia among the elderly. Awareness on dietary and lifestyle modification for management of dyslipidemia needs to be imparted.

ANEMIA AND VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCY IN ELDERLY.

Objective: The present study was carried out to assess the prevalence of anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency and hyperhomocysteinemia among elderly in slums of West Delhi.Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 234 elderly aged 60 and above in slums of West Delhi. 5 ml blood was collected from 116 elderly and was analyzed for hemoglobin, Vitamin B12 and homocysteine. Anemia was defined as hemoglobin <130 g/L and <120 g/l for male and female, respectively, Vitamin B12 deficiency as serum Vitamin B12 <203 pg/ml and hyperhomocysteinemia as serum homocysteine >15 μmol/l.Results: The overall prevalence of anemia, Vitamin B12 deficiency, and hyperhomocysteinemia among elderly was 57.76%, 36.36%, and 57.57%, respectively. Among anemic elderly, 33.33% and 64.15% had Vitamin B12 deficiency and hyperhomocysteinemia, respectively.Conclusion: More than half of the elderly population was anemic, while one-third was having Vitamin B12 deficiency.

ASSESSMENT OF RISK FACTORS OF HYPERTENSION AMONG ADULTS RESIDING IN URBAN SLUM OF DELHI.

Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the risk factors of hypertension among adults residing in urban slums of West Delhi.Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among adult population of 18–59 years residing in urban slums of West Delhi. Blood pressure was measured twice using digital machine (OMRON). Height, waist circumference, and hip circumference were measured, weight was taken, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. The Joint National Committee VII criteria were used to define hypertension, and the National Cholesterol Education Program and Adult Treatment Panel-III guidelines were used to define different categories of dyslipidemia. The World Health Organization (2014) criteria were used to classify the BMI.Results: The overall prevalence of hypertension among adults (n=423) was 25.3%. Among hypertensive adults, the prevalence of obesity was 22.7%, while among non-hypertensives, it was 10.9%. Similarly, overweight prevalence was higher (27.3%) in hypertensive adults compared to non-hypertensive adults (20.6%). The overall prevalence of hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol <40/<50 mg/dl, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) ≥130 was 19.7%, 33.7%, 75.7%, and 21.8%, respectively. The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and serum LDL-C ≥130 mg/dl was 38%, 50%, and 32% among hypertensive adults, while among non-hypertensive adults, it was 15%, 29%, and 19%, respectively.Conclusion: Hypertensive adults had higher BMI, serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-C compared to non-hypertensives.

ANEMIA AND VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCY IN ELDERLY.

Objective: The present study was carried out to assess the prevalence of anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency and hyperhomocysteinemia among elderly in slums of West Delhi.Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 234 elderly aged 60 and above in slums of West Delhi. 5 ml blood was collected from 116 elderly and was analyzed for hemoglobin, Vitamin B12 and homocysteine. Anemia was defined as hemoglobin <130 g/L and <120 g/l for male and female, respectively, Vitamin B12 deficiency as serum Vitamin B12 <203 pg/ml and hyperhomocysteinemia as serum homocysteine >15 μmol/l.Results: The overall prevalence of anemia, Vitamin B12 deficiency, and hyperhomocysteinemia among elderly was 57.76%, 36.36%, and 57.57%, respectively. Among anemic elderly, 33.33% and 64.15% had Vitamin B12 deficiency and hyperhomocysteinemia, respectively.Conclusion: More than half of the elderly population was anemic, while one-third was having Vitamin B12 deficiency.

ASSESSMENT OF RISK FACTORS OF HYPERTENSION AMONG ADULTS RESIDING IN URBAN SLUM OF DELHI.

Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the risk factors of hypertension among adults residing in urban slums of West Delhi.Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among adult population of 18–59 years residing in urban slums of West Delhi. Blood pressure was measured twice using digital machine (OMRON). Height, waist circumference, and hip circumference were measured, weight was taken, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. The Joint National Committee VII criteria were used to define hypertension, and the National Cholesterol Education Program and Adult Treatment Panel-III guidelines were used to define different categories of dyslipidemia. The World Health Organization (2014) criteria were used to classify the BMI.Results: The overall prevalence of hypertension among adults (n=423) was 25.3%. Among hypertensive adults, the prevalence of obesity was 22.7%, while among non-hypertensives, it was 10.9%. Similarly, overweight prevalence was higher (27.3%) in hypertensive adults compared to non-hypertensive adults (20.6%). The overall prevalence of hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol <40/<50 mg/dl, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) ≥130 was 19.7%, 33.7%, 75.7%, and 21.8%, respectively. The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and serum LDL-C ≥130 mg/dl was 38%, 50%, and 32% among hypertensive adults, while among non-hypertensive adults, it was 15%, 29%, and 19%, respectively.Conclusion: Hypertensive adults had higher BMI, serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-C compared to non-hypertensives.

PREVALENCE OF HYPERTENSION AMONG ADULT POPULATION IN SLUMS OF WEST DELHI

Objective: The present study was conducted to assess the prevalence of hypertension in adult population residing in slums of West Delhi.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among adult population of 18-59 years residing in urban slums of West Delhi. Blood pressure was measured using digital machine (OMRON). The data obtained were analyzed for percent prevalence, mean, standard deviation, and median. Joint National Committee (JNC)on prevention, detection, evaluation, and treatment of high blood pressure (JNC)VI and JNC VII criteria were used to classify hypertension.Results: The overall prevalence of hypertension was 25.3%. The prevalence was higher (27.9%)in males than females (22.8%)and also in the age group 46-59 years (43.0%)as compared to 18-45 years (19.8%). The overall prevalence of prehypertension, Stage I and Stage II hypertension, respectively, was 35.2%, 16.1% and 9.2%.Conclusion: A one-fourth of the adult population is hypertensive. Early diagnosis and treatment are advisable, besides awareness about dietary and lifestyle modification.

A Study to Assess the Knowledge regarding Factors Causing Malnutrition among Mothers of Malnourished Under-Five Children Attending IYCF Clinic at a Selected Hospital of West Delhi

Nutrition of under-five children is of paramount importance because it can lead to long-lasting effect on the mental and physical health of the children. India faces the burden of diseases in which nutritional deficiencies are most common.1 A study was conducted to assess the knowledge regarding factors causing malnutrition among the mothers of malnourished under-five children. Quantitative approach with a descriptive research design was adopted. Thirty mothers of malnourished under-five children attending IYCF clinic at DDU Hospital, New Delhi, were selected using convenient sampling technique. The tool used was the structured interview schedule. The results of the present study revealed that overall mean knowledge score was 13, which was 43.34% of total score revealing average knowledge of the mothers regarding factors affecting malnutrition.

Assessment of the spatial and temporal hydrochemical facies variation in the flood plains of North-West Delhi using integrated approach

Assessment of change in major ion chemistry of groundwater, manifested by hydrochemical facies, is a necessity for sustainable use of the groundwater resources. In this perspective, this article estimates spatial and temporal hydrochemical facies variation in the study area using an integrated approach. The geochemical, isotopic and sedimentary data from the North West Delhi has been used to achieve the objective of the study. It is seen that the spatial groundwater facies variation in the study area correlates with the change in geomorphologic units. Distinct hydrochemical facies for younger and older alluvial plains has been observed. It is seen that geomorphic features such as palaeochannels also influence the groundwater quality of the study area. Further, the temporal hydrochemical facies variations indicate that with time, anthropogenic factors have also impacted the evolution of facies in the study area .

Knowledge, attitude and practice of pharmacovigilance among community pharmacists in Delhi, India

Background: Lack of knowledge of Pharmacovigilance (PhV) and Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) reporting culture among the prescribers have been identified as major factors for under reporting of ADRs. In an attempt to increase the reporting many countries have allowed pharmacists to report ADRs. This study was planned to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of PhV among community pharmacist in Delhi, India.Methods: Cross sectional, questionnaire based study was conducted to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practice of PhV among 200 community pharmacists of Delhi (west Delhi) India.Results: Majority (74%) of the respondents felt that ADR reporting is necessary but only 9% were aware of existing PhV Program of India. Only 5% of pharmacists knew about elements of PhV. Forty percent (40%) of pharmacists did not know where to report ADRs and 26% felt that there is no need to report ADRs. Significant number (77%) of pharmacists felt that ADRs reporting will damage their image. 96% never try to find ADRs and in case if they get ADRs from patients, majority (95%) of them never report to anybody. Almost all (96%) of respondents cited busy schedule as the main reason for non-reporting and 86% said that it will be very convenient if ADRs are collected by someone from them.Conclusions: Community pharmacists had positive attitude towards ADRs reporting but their knowledge and practice regarding PhV need to be improved. There is a need of regular training to increase their role in PhV.

Determinants of Improved Waste Management Services in Delhi: An Economic Valuation

Emerging nations such as India, with fast pace of development and rapid urbanisation, are increasingly witnessing a problem of solid waste mismanagement because of rising population and industrialisation. Factors associated with this advancement put pressure on the current municipal infrastructures, services and financial resources. This study employs cross-sectional survey analysis across eleven districts of Delhi to determine inhabitant’s willingness to pay (WTP) for improved waste management services and also suggests measures to control this menace. One sample city from each district is chosen and a contingent valuation methodology is used to estimate WTP. Economic valuation of the benefits derived from cleaner environment is done through stratified random sampling technique from each sample city. The survey has been administered among 450 respondents of Delhi. The sample cities chosen for the project are “Amar Colony (South-East Delhi), Janakpuri (West Delhi), Rohini (North-West Delhi), Kamla Nagar/Model town (North Delhi), Saket (South Delhi), Darya Ganj (Central Delhi), Yamuna Vihar (North-East Delhi), Satya Niketan (South-West Delhi), Karkardooma (East Delhi), Vasant Vihar (New Delhi) and Shahdara.” The respondents in the survey are divided into three categories, Households, Recognised Branded Vendors and Unbranded Vendors, representing the commercial faction of society.A binary response question followed by an open ended question have been put forward to the respondents in order to measure their WTP The administered survey shows that 81% of respondents have positive WTP for improved solid waste management (SWM) services. Logistic and multiple regression models are used to estimate the WTP. As per the regression analysis, the mean WTP for entire Delhi region came out to be approx ₹155/month. Of which WTP for the branded Vendors is ₹311/month, WTP of Household is ₹114/month and WTP for unbranded Vendors is ₹39/month. The key determinants of WTP are income level, education level, perception of the surveyed area’s environment quality, dissatisfaction from current SWM services and past disease trajectory, contracted from poor solid waste management. The respondents with higher levels of income and education show higher WTP. However, there is a negative relationship of dissatisfaction level and serious disease history with WTP. The per capita waste generation for different regions of Delhi has been calculated with a maximum generation of 0.507Kgper person in the MCD zone.A rank has been assigned to each city on the basis of perception of the respondents on three grounds: Environmental Quality, Satisfaction with current solid waste management and Prior Disease History Trajectory. The top five cities which need immediate attention are Darya Ganj, Yamuna Vihar, Satya Niketan, KarKardooma and Shahdara. The findings from this study can aid policy-makers in formulating the solid waste management measures in Delhi as well as in other regions facing similar problems.

What Influences the Organisational Commitment of Employees working in NGOs?

<italic>Purpose</italic> - The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of emotional intelligence on psychological well being and further identifying the impact of psychological well being on various dimensions of organisational commitment viz, affective, normative and continuous commitment. <italic>Design/methodology/approach</italic> - Data were collected from 200 employees working in NGOs of west delhi region (Capital of India) on the bases of purposive sampling. Statistical techniques like CFA and SEM were used to analyse the data. Further, reliability and validity tests were also performed. <italic>Findings</italic> - The study suggests that emotional intelligence has a positive and significant impact over psychological well being. Further, psychological well being has a greater impact over affective commitment followed by normative and continuous commitment among employees working in NGOs. <italic>Originality/value</italic> - This work is the first that investigates the individual impact of psychological well being over the three dimensions of organisational commitment. Study also explores the significant impact of emotional intelligence on psychological well being in context of NGOs. <italic>Paper type</italic> - Empirical Paper

A Study to Establish the Validity of Non-Fasting Lipid Profile against Fasting Lipid Profile for Making Treatment Decision in Diabetes Mellitus 2012-2014

As incidence of diabetes is continuously increasing in india and diabetic dyslipidemia is a leading cause of atherosclerotic disease process like coronary artery disease. If we diagnosed and treat dyslipidemia in early stage, we can decrese the risk of atherosclerotic diseases. But current guidelines recommend measurement of fasting lipid profile and majority of the patients present in the hospital are in nonfasting state so their lipid profile is deferred due to their nonfasting status which impedes their treatment. However, recent studies suggest nonfasting lipid profile may better or similarly predict cardiovascular disease events than fasting levels. So, if validate for treatment of diabetic dyslipidemia then measurement of nonfasting lipid profile may have many practical advantage for clinical practice. So a prospective study was carried out in 100 diabetic patients in 25-65 years age group including both sexes irrespective of community or background which were present in inpatient department of medicine, Mata Chanan Devi hospital, New Delhi, during the time period of 2012-2014. It is a 210 bedded, tertiary care hospital in west Delhi, where the patients travel from all north India. The patients with Coronary event (myocardial infarction, unstable angina) and procedures (coronary artery bypass, coronary angioplasty) in previous 4 weeks, ischemic stroke in prior 3 months, chronic alcoholic patients, patients having pancreatitis, hypothyroidism, pregnancy and patients on lipid lowering drugs in previous 3 months, were not included in the study. After taking written informed consent lipid profile was done from each subject at the time of admission and next day morning (after 8-12 hr fasting). Self reported time since last meal was also noted at the time of admission. LDL was measured by direct method. Non HDL cholesterol was calculated by total cholesterol – HDL cholesterol. SPSS (statistical package for social sciences) software version 16.0 was used for statistical analysis. Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test done to compare the total mean fasting and nonfasting lipid profile. We divided the study subjects according to self reported time since last meal. Like 0-1 hour include patient taking meal before < 1 hour and 1-2 hour include <2 hour post meal and so on other groups. Comparison of fasting and non fasting lipid profile was done by Wilcoxon

A Study of The Female Buying Behaviour of Handbags Shopping in West Delhi Malls

In the present era, studying female buying behavior has become a matter of great prominence due to the level of changes in female behavioural patterns and the overall advancements in the societal outlook towards women. They are no more bound to the four walls of the house. Women of today has come out of the traditional shackles posed on them by the Indian society and have established their individual identities. Therefore, it is quite relevant to study the behavior of the modern women in regard to the various product segments. This study aims at finding the relationship impact of age, gender and marital status of women on handbags shopping from malls in West Delhi. Also, the other objective is to analyse the impact of promotion strategies on the female while buying handbags from malls. Malls these days serve as a popular outlet for shopping of different products under one roof and Delhi, being a metropolitan city has got a number of huge malls serving the consumers. This is an empirical research with a sample size of 100 females found shopping handbags in the malls of West Delhi. The questionnaires used were got filled in person with the female buyers. It was revealed that economically independent women buyers in the age group of 20–40 tend to spend more on handbag shopping. Also, married women are influenced by their spouse in the buying decision in comparison to the unmarried ones. More than 80% of the women preferred to buy handbags under the influence of sales promotion strategies. Hence, this study is useful for the marketers to emphasize the appropriate promotion strategies to gain higher revenues.

Prevalence of Dog Bites in Rural and Urban Slums of Delhi: A Community-based Study.

Background:Rabies is a fatal disease of the central nervous system caused by the bites of warm-blooded animals. One of the important methods of controlling rabies is by interventions to limit the number of dog bites, the most common source of transmission of rabies to humans in the community. Community-based data on dog bites are rare from India.Aim:The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of dog bites and knowledge and practices relating to its management and prevention in an urban and a rural slum of North West Delhi, India.Subjects and Methods:A cross-sectional house to house survey of 500 households covering a population of 2887 individuals was conducted. The families were selected by systematic random sampling. A pretested and a prevalidated questionnaire was used. Chi-square test was applied for comparing proportions related to the categorical variables and t-test was used for comparing means.Results:The dog bite incidence rate for the study population for the last year was 25.2/1000 population with higher rates in urban (30.1/1000) than rural (19.6/1000) slum. Two-fifths of the dog bite patients did not wash the wound with soap and water. The practice of washing the wound with soap and water was significantly higher in urban than rural slum. One-fifth of the patients did not receive anti-rabies vaccine. There was lower coverage in rural than urban slum. A majority (79.0%) of the patients did not receive anti-rabies serum.Conclusion:A high prevalence of dog bites coupled with poor knowledge and dog bite management practices is a worrisome trend which policy makers should take into account to make India rabies free.

Validation of ICMR index for identification of dental fluorosis in epidemiological studies.

Background & objectives:The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) formulated a Task Force on dental fluorosis and recommended the subgroup to develop a simplified index for identification and grading of dental fluorosis to be used by the health workers. This study was conducted to pre-test the ‘ICMR Index for Dental Fluorosis’ in the field to check its reliability and reproducibility.Methods:A total of 600 photographs were taken, 150 in each grade of fluorosis by screening 14-17 yr school children from eight schools of Hisar (Haryana) and South west Delhi. Eighty photographs were finalized (20 in each grade) before calibration to be used for training of field workers. Calibration exercise was conducted involving the five member survey team on 100 diagnosed cases of dental fluorosis. The members again screened 74 children with dental fluorosis in the field to categorize in to different grades of fluorosis for assessment of inter-examiner reliability.Results:The ICMR criteria showed more difference in agreement in very mild and mild categories during calibration. The inter-examiner reliability (κ) ranged from 0.59-1. The criteria was further modified and inter- examiner reliability (κ) found to be 0.83-0.98 which was almost perfect agreement.Interpretation & conclusions:The tool developed by the ICMR to assess dental fluorosis can be used in a field set up by non-dental personnel reliably with high degree of reproducibility.

Soil Biotechnology to Treat Nazafgarh Drain Water before Disposal into River Yamuna

The potential risks associated with the use of recycled water have become a matter of concern for many organisations which are recycling water. Out of the many reasons, the major ones are that they are not able to maintain the efficiency of the treatment plant and to meet the high energy demand of these plants. These problems have led to restricted usage of treatment plants by the industries hence they allow the waste water to bypass directly into the natural water bodies without any treatment. This work has taken into consideration the issue of river Yamuna in Delhi, which is one of the most polluted rivers of the world. It has been identified that Nazafgarh drain located in west Delhi has got a major contribution in the polluting Yamuna. The need of the hour is to find an innovative solution to resolve the problem of water recycling and offer a platform to the industries where the burden of treating their factory effluents is taken care of. This paper proposes a 1 MLD water treatment plant based on Soil Biotechnology which can efficiently treat the Nazafgarh drain water and make it fit for disposal into Yamuna. SBT is an eco-friendly and sustainable technology developed at IIT Bombay which provides all levels of treatment in a single evergreen set up open to atmosphere which is odorless, cheap, simple to operate, easy to maintain and could be set up within the area of habilitation.

Impact of weekly iron folic acid supplementation with and without vitamin B12 on anaemic adolescent girls: a randomised clinical trial.

In India, approx. 70% of the adolescent girls are anaemic (haemolgobin <120 g/l). The present study was a supervised randomised double-blind clinical trial conducted among adolescent girls (11-18 years) to assess and compare the impact of weekly iron folic acid (IFA) supplementation with or without vitamin B12 on reduction in the prevalence of anaemia and on blood/serum levels of haemoglobin, serum ferritin, folic acid and vitamin B12. Community-based randomized controlled trial was carried out in Kirti Nagar slums of West Delhi. A total of 446 mild (100-119 g/l) and moderate (70-99 g/l) anaemic volunteer adolescent girls were identified and randomised into two groups. Weekly supervised supplementation was given for 26 weeks: Group A (n=222): iron (100 mg), folic acid (500 mcg) and placebo; Group B (n=224): iron (100 mg), folic acid (500 mcg) and cyanocobalamin (500 mcg for 6 weeks and 15 mcg for 20 weeks). Haemoglobin, serum ferritin, folic acid and vitamin B12 levels were assessed at baseline and after intervention. A total of 373 subjects completed 26 weeks of supplementation successfully. The mean haemoglobin increased from 106.7±11.2 g/l and 108.9±8.91 g/l in Group A and Group B at baseline to 116.4±10.8 g/l (P<0.001) and 116.5±10.26 g/l (P<0.001) at post-intervention, respectively, with the reduction in the prevalence of anaemia by 35.9% in Group A and 39.7% in Group B (P>0.05). A total of 63.3% participants had deficient vitamin B12 levels (<203 pg/ml) at baseline, which reduced to 40.4% after intervention with cyanocobalamin, whereas no change was observed in vitamin B12 status in the other group. Significant reduction (P=0.01) in the prevalence of serum ferritin deficiency (<15 ng/ml) was observed in the group supplemented with vitamin B12 (from 36.5 to 6.4%) as compared with the other group supplemented with only IFA (from 39.1 to 15.2%). IFA supplementation with or without vitamin B12 is an effective measure to cure anaemia. Although addition of vitamin B12 had similar impact on improving haemoglobin status as IFA alone, it resulted in better ferritin status. Hence, more multi-centre studies with a longer duration of supplementation or higher dose of vitamin B12 may be undertaken to assess the possible impact of vitamin B12 on improving haemoglobin levels in the population.