Socio-Demographic Correlates of Anaemia among Adolescents in Urban Slum

Background: Adolescence - a period of transition between childhood and adulthood is a significant period of human growth and maturation. Adolescents represent about a fifth of India's population. Iron needs are highest in males during peak pubertal development because of a greater increase in blood volume, muscle mass and myoglobin. Many studies in recent times have highlighted the high prevalence of anaemia among adolescent girls in India, however, there is limited published literature on prevalence of anaemia among adolescent boys.

Aims:

1. To find out the prevalence of anaemia among adolescent (10-19 years) boys and girls in the urban slum of Meerut.

2. To study socio-demographic co-relates of anaemia.

Material and Method: A Community based cross sectional study was conducted in urban slum, Multan nagar, catchment area of Urban Health and Training Center, Department of Community Medicine, Subharti Medical College, Meerut. A total of 406 (216 females and 190 males) adolescents (10 -19 years of age) were included in this study. Haemoglobin estimation was done using Direct Cyanmethaemoglobin method. Statistical analysis were done using Microsoft excel 2007 and Epi info version 3.5.3.

Results: The prevalence of anaemia among adolescent males and females was found to be 31.6% and 52.8% respectively. Statistical significant association (p< 0.05) of anaemia among boys were found with type of family, socio-economic status, educational status&academic performance. Among females, the statistical significant socio-demographic factors were socio-economic&educational status.

Conclusions: A high prevalence of anaemia was found among adolescent males and females. Considering the possible implications of anaemia on adolescent growth and development, the nutritional status of adolescents should not be overlooked and suggests the need for routine iron supplementation even among adolescent boys.