A Cross-sectional Study of Anemia and Body Mass Index in Student's Attending a Women's College in Bagalkot, North Karnataka

Body mass index in pre-pregnancy has been suggested as useful criteria for the assessment of risk of low birth weight in their offspring. Iron deficiency anemia is a major factor contributing to maternal morbidity and mortality. A significant fall in birth weight has been reported to occur with maternal Hemoglobin levels below 8-G%. It has been claimed that the damage to fetal brain arising from maternal anemia takes place early in pregnancy. In view of these considerations, this cross sectional study was conducted to know the anthropometric measurements, body mass index and iron deficiency anemia in students attending a women's college in Bagalkot city. Ethical clearance was obtained from Institutional ethical committee. Anthropometry is an important element in assessing the nutritional status of the subject. Each student's weight in Kilogram and height in centimeters was measured and body mass index (BMI) calculated using the formula- weight in Kg/height in m2. Hemoglobin was assessed by Acid Hematin method. After Informed consent from the participants, data was obtained and recorded on a pre-designed questionnaire and analyzed by percentages. Majority of the students (51.12%) were from rural areas of Bagalkot Taluka. Most of the students (54.50%) had mild anemia. When body mass index was calculated, majority of the students (52.47%) were underweight. Women with low pre-pregnancy body mass index are at increased risk for a number of adverse pregnancy outcomes including preterm birth and IUGR.