Prevalence and awareness of nutritional anemia among female medical students in Karad, Maharashtra, India: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: Anemia is a global public health problem affecting both developing and developed countries. According to the World Health Organization, the highest number of individuals affected by anemia is observed in nonpregnant women aged 15–49.99 years. Though nutritional anemia can affect any age group, female medical students form a vulnerable population due to their hectic schedules, erratic mealtimes, and long working hours while staying in hostel for majority of times. Therefore, this study is aimed at determining the prevalence and awareness of anemia among the apparently healthy female students studying at a health institute. Methods: A cross-sectional study is conducted among 300 female students studying at a health institute in western Maharashtra after their written informed consent. A structured questionnaire elicits their general information, the knowledge about signs and symptoms of anemia, and dietary habits. Basal metabolic index and hemoglobin using the spectroscopy method are estimated for each participant. Results: Anemia prevalence in our population is 86 (28.6%). Based upon the severity of anemia, about 54 (18%) has mild anemia and 32 (10.6%) has moderate anemia. No case of severe anemia is noted in our study sample. Conclusion: The findings of the study highlight that anemia can affect even medical female students who are a vulnerable group unexpectedly suffering from nutritional deficiencies. Thus, this study highlights the need for interventional programs at primary health-care systems and colleges for improvement in the nutritional status of anemic students to reduce its complications.

Iron-Deficiency Anemia in Women of Reproductive Age in Urban Areas of Quetta District, Pakistan

“…The findings of the present study revealed that overall 25% of women were IDA affected, and among these, a majority were not pregnant at the time of the study. Similarly, Vibhute et al [15] and Bharati et al [16] reported that a higher number of nutritionally anemic women of reproductive age were not pregnant at the time of their studies. Whilst anemia can affect any age group [17], women of reproductive age with hectic schedules, erratic mealtimes, and long working hours are more vulnerable [15,18].…”

“…Similarly, Vibhute et al [15] and Bharati et al [16] reported that a higher number of nutritionally anemic women of reproductive age were not pregnant at the time of their studies. Whilst anemia can affect any age group [17], women of reproductive age with hectic schedules, erratic mealtimes, and long working hours are more vulnerable [15,18]. Nutritional anemia due to iron deficiency is a serious public health problem in many parts of the world.…”

“…The differences in the prevalence of anemia among women of reproductive age are mul-tifactorial and vary by geographic region and genetic background [24]. In developing countries, poverty, malnutrition, socioeconomic differences, cultural and dietary pattern, poor literacy ratio, and lack of awareness in the population are the key factors influencing IDA [15,17]. The risk factors could be further elaborated as poor diet quality, low dietary intake of iron, poor absorption of iron from diets high in phytate or phenolic compounds, impaired immune function, lower BMI, menstruation, low consumption of meat, high intake of tea, blood and intestinal parasitic infection, and consumption of nonfood items such as clay (Pica) [9,[25][26][27][28].…”

Morphofunctional and Hematological Characteristics of Health in Students from the Northern and Southern Regions of Kazakhstan

“…Differences in the risk of anemia depending on latitude were not observed [24]. In the research performed by female medical students in Karad, Maharashtra (India), it has been established that the prevalence of anemia was 28.6% and was reported as common in both underweight and overweight students [25].…”

Tackling the menace of anemia and hemoglobinopathies among young adults – Conceptualizing university-level screening

“…The possible risk factors could be stress of the professional course that demands long study hours, changes in the dietary habits, and increased body consciousness or tendency to lose weight, combined with menstrual loses. [ 6 ] A Pune-based study has reported that mean intake of nutrients (energy, protein, and iron) were significantly lesser among anemic adolescents. It also noted that mean energy and micronutrient (Vitamin C, folate, and iron) intake was significantly higher among those consuming traditional breakfast compared to those having bakery products in breakfast.…”