To study the prevalence of anaemia among school going children in rural area of Faridkot district, India

Nishi Garg; Manjit Bhalla

doi:10.18203/2349-3291.ijcp20160163

Authors

Nishi Garg Assistant Professor, Department of Gynaecology, GGS Medical College and Hospital, Faridkot, Punjab, India
Manjit Bhalla Senior Medical Officer, Jand Sahib, Faridkot, Punjab, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-3291.ijcp20160163

Keywords:

Students, Anaemia, Prevalence, Haemoglobin

Abstract

Background: Anaemia is a global public health problem which affects both the developing and the developed countries and it is an indicator of poor nutrition and poor health with major consequences for human health, as well as for the social and economic development of a population. Anemia is a common problem throughout the world and iron deficiency is the most prevalent nutritional deficiency in the world. It affects mainly the poorest segment of the population. The purpose of the study is to assess the prevalence of Anemia among school going children of rural area of schools of Faridkot district, India.

Methods: This study was conducted at the schools of rural area (Jand sahib) of Faridkot District, India. A cross-sectional household survey was conducted in rural Schools from January 2010 to December 2010 on 463 children, aged 5-16 years, selected through systematic random sampling method. Study subjects were school children (<16 years). The students and school authority were assured for their confidentiality of their response.

Results: The analysis of the obtained data was based on the objective of the study. Descriptive and inferential statistics was used for data analysis and data interpretation. Results of the study revealed that 57.2% of the samples are males and 42.8% of the samples are female. 56.8% of the samples are in the age group of less than 5 to 11 years, 31.7% of samples were in the group of 12-14 years and 11.4% of samples are more than 14 years of age. After analysis and interpretation of data, it was found that out of boys 91.69% males were anaemic and out of females 94.89% females were anaemic. Overall incidence of anaemia amongst girls and boys was found to be 85.74%.

Conclusions: The prevalence of anemia in the developing countries tends to be three to four times higher than in the developed countries. Hence, improvement in dietary habits related to consumption of green leafy vegetables should be included in diet plan. Health education, seminars on menstrual hygiene should be conducted at regular interval.

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