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DOI: DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.21088/ijprp.2278.148X.7518.15

Abstract

  Context: Anemia is a widespread health issue globally and its prevalence in developing countries like India is high, particularly in women and children as it plays an important role in their morbidity and mortality. Undiagnosed anemia, can lead to impaired physical and mental development of children, which is preventable.

Aim: To assess the prevalence of anemia in school going children within the age group of 9-14 years. 

Methods and Material: We conducted a cross-sectional study on 400 children in the age group of 9-14 years in two schools. Complete blood count and peripheral smear examination was done.

Results: Anemia was observed in 126 students and females were more commonly affected than males. Females were also noted to have lower mean hemoglobin concentration. Normocytic normochromic anemia was the commonest morphological type observed on peripheral smear.

Conclusions: This study shows the high prevalence rate of anemia in school going children of Vijayapur and need for regular screening of these children and periodic intervention.

Keywords: Anemia; School Children; Iron Deficiency Anemia; Adolescent Females.

 

Corresponding Author : Savitri Mallikarjun Nerune, Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology, Shri B. M. Patil Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, BLDE University, Vijayapur, Karnataka 586103, India.