Prevalence of Anaemia among Urban High School Children in Belagavi

Anaemia in school children is a global health problem with a need of serious public health concern. Anaemia is a threat during this development phase, i.e. the schooling phase as it can adversely affect cognitive performance, behavior and motor development, and scholastic performance. So, there is need for more studies related to anaemia in school children particularly in urban area due to increased urbanization and increased incidence of neglect by the working parents in urban area.

All Government aided schools coming under area Ramnagar UHC were selected for the study. Students of class 8th, 9th and 10th standard were the study sample, total 400 students participated in this study. A predesigned and pretested questionnaire was used to collect data regarding socio-demographic profile, dietary intake and Environmental history. Hemoglobin estimation was done in all students of the study by using Sahli's Acid Hematin method. Detailed clinical examination was done and Anthropometry was measured.

The prevalence of anaemia among high school children in urban Belagavi was 43%. Prevalence was more among girls and was found to be 50% compared to boys i.e. 37%. Increased prevalence was seen among those who have attained menarche (66.7%). 63.4% prevalence of anaemia was seen in thin (undernourished) children i.e. BMI <5th percentile. Illiteracy of the mother, low SES, open air defecation, vegetarian diet, decreased consumption of green leafy vegetables and fruits were significantly associated with prevalence of anaemia with p<0.001.

The present community based study, reported a higher prevalence of anaemia among urban high school children. Prevalence of anaemia was more among girls. The urban area in our study fall in to community of severe public health significance (prevalence >40%).