Biology and Medicine

Abstract

Prevalence of anemia and its relation to socio-demographic factors: cross-sectional study among adolescent boys in urban Meerut, India

T Jain, H Chopra, Y Mohan, S Rao

Many studies in recent times have highlighted the high prevalence of anemia among adolescent girls in India; however, there is limited published literature on prevalence of anemia among adolescent boys. A cross sectional study was done among school going children across a wide section of society to get a representative sample from urban Meerut. Sample of 400 boys were selected using random sampling across both English and Hindi medium schools. In addition to Hemoglobin estimation, weight and height was recorded, and socio economic history was taken. Overall 43% of the boys were found to be anemic with 23% having moderate to severe anemia. Prevalence of anaemia was significantly higher among children who took 2 meals per day (49%) compared to those who took 3 meals per day (39%). Anemia had no correlation with BMI, with 50% of overweight and obese children having anemia. The prevalence of mild anemia was found to be high even among boys coming from higher socio economic classes, although the prevalence of severe anemia was significantly higher among lower socio economic classes.