Dietary Habit, Anthropometric Measurements and Haematological Parameters in Correlation with Prevalence of Iron-Deficiency Anaemia among Never Married Tribal Female Postgraduates of Assam, India

Abstract

Iron deficiency (ID) is the most common nutritional deficiency and familiar cause of anaemia worldwide. Among the tribal population of India, the scenario of anaemia is severe. Eating habit along with a number of genetic haemoglobin (Hb) disorders has been found to modify the morbidity and mortality of these populations. Providing information on causes and prevalence rate on anaemia among tribal population in one of the severely affected international border area of rural India will help in formulating strategies against this public health problem. This study was conducted during January to June, 2017 among 480 never married postgraduate tribal female students of the age group of 21–25 years to estimate the prevalence and contributing factors of iron deficiency anaemia (IDA).A structured questionnaire for general information, dietary habits, knowledge on signs and symptoms of anaemia and Body Mass Index (BMI) was carried out. Complete Blood Count (CBC), Hb percentage, serum ferritin (SF) and serum iron (SI) levels were measured. Chi-square test and independent sample t-test were used for data analysis. A total of 396 students were diagnosed as anaemic as per the World Health Organization (WHO) standard. Prevalence of mild anaemia was 60.9% (n=241), moderate anaemia 28.5% (n=113) and severe anaemia in 10.6% (n=42). The prevalence of ID was 23.4% and IDA was 38.5%. Normal iron status was found in 17.5% of the subjects.IDA is common among the studied population. Iron supplementation programme should be formulated as this group is not covered under any government programmes.

Keywords: iron deficiency anaemia (IDA), complete blood count (CBC), haemoglobin (Hb), serum ferritin (SF), serum iron (SI)

Cite this Article

Sarmah J, Baruah D, Sarma PK, et al. Dietary habit, anthropometric measurements and haematological parameters in correlation with prevalence of iron-deficiency anaemia among never married tribal female postgraduates of Assam, India. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Health Professions. 2018; 8(2): 19–26p.