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ABSTRACT
Background: The most common cause of anemia isan Iron deficiency. Growing number of cases of tiredness In our college girls triggered us to suspect anemia and undertake this study.
Aim: This study attempted to estimate the prevalence of anemia among rural college girls and to determine Its relation with body mass Index, diet and duration of menstrual cycle.
Methods: A total of 273 female students In the age range of 18 and 22 years were Included In the study. The World Health Organization cut-off for hemoglobin was used to classify anemia. Body Mass Index was computed. Participants were asked to fill up the preplanned questionnaire for diet and duration of menstruation.
Results: Total 63% girls were found anemic and 50 % were In the mild category. Poor diet was common In all girls except more legumes and nuts In non anemic (t=2.04). Menstrual cycle lasting > 7 days was conspicuous among anemic girls of low and normal BMI category. (t= 3.12). 49% girls were In the low BMI category Indicating chronic energy deficiency.
Conclusion: Anemia detected In rural college girls may be due to poor diet and menorrhagia.
Keywords: College girls, rural area, hemoglobin, diet
INTRODUCTION
Anemia Is a major public health problem worldwide and particularly among females of the reproductive age In South Asia. The high burden of prevalence of anemia reflects overall malnutrition. The National family health survey [1] data shows 33 %, 14 % and 2 % mild, moderate and severe forms of anemia among females of the Maharashtra state, India. Nutritional anemia affects both the sexes and all age groups. Particularly girls constitute a vulnerable group In many underdeveloped and developing countries.
67.8 % anemic school girls were found In the T.N. state of India [2]. Similar prevalence of anemia was noted In the Hasan district of Karnataka state among adolescent girls [3]. The strong association between the vegetarian diet and the prolonged menstrual cycle and the high prevalence of anemia Is noted among girls of Wardha district In the Maharashtra state of India [4]. As far as dietary habits are concerned there Is very little or no Information available about the consumption of tea or tannate which hinders the Iron absorption If consumed In large amounts regularly.
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