Prevalence of Anemia, Morbidity and School Absenteeism among Lower Primary School Children of Davangere City

Anemia is estimated to affect one half of school children in developing countries such as India. Anemia, exerts its toll not only in terms of morbidity such as easy fatigability, dizziness and shortness of breath, but is also known to cause school absenteeism.

1. To assess the prevalence and severity of anemia, and morbidity among anemic lower primary school children of Davangere City. 2. To know school absenteeism in relation to anemia and morbidity.

Cross sectional study on Lower Primary School children (6-11yrs) was carried out from December 2010 to March 2011.

1925 Lower Primary School children (6–10 years) of Davangere city were studied for prevalence of anemia. Anemia prevalence was 58.6%, it was more in girls (64.7%) than in boys (52.4%) and significantly decreased with age in both sexes. (25.1%)were mildly anemic,(20.5%) were moderately anemic and (12.9%) severely anemic. Significant difference in morbidity rates and school absenteeism between different grades of anemia were noted.

High prevalence of anemia was noted among lower primary school children. Anemia has increased morbidity leading to increased school absenteeism in significant proportions. Thereby effective school health checkups for early diagnosis and interventions in the form of health education to school authorities, parents and school children regarding anemia, nutrition and timely treatment by periodic deworming of all children and iron and folic acid supplementation to anemic children should be strongly recommended.