Anemia and its Determinants among Self Help Groups in Kerala

Introduction Anemia is a global public health problem affecting both developing and developed countries with major consequences for human health. Objectives 1) To determine the prevalence of anemia in non-pregnant self help group workers (15-49yrs).2) To assess the epidemiological determinants of anemia.3) To determine the pathological type of anemia. Materials and Methods Descriptive cross sectional study was conducted among 136 non pregnant women of the self help group workers (15-49yrs) from urban area of Thrissur corporation area. They were selected by lottery method of random sampling. They were interviewed regarding the factors causing anemia by using pre-designed, pre-tested, structured schedule. Hemoglobin estimation was done by using analyser and anemia graded according to WHO criteria. The consent of the respondents was collected after obtaining informed consent. Results Prevalence of anemia was 85.3 %. Mean Hb level was found to be 10.45 gm %. The predominant types of anemia were Normocytic normochromic and Microcytic hypochromic anemia. Conclusion Inadequate intake of green leafy vegetable consumption is significantly associated with anemia.