Prevalence of anemia in Government school children aged about 10-16 years

Introduction: Anemia is defined as a reduction in the red blood cell volume or hemoglobin concentration below the normal range of values occurring in healthy population (2 SD below the mean for normal population) with respect to age and sex. Anemia is a common problem throughout the world and iron deficiency is the most prevalent nutritional deficiency in the world. It affects mainly the poorest segment of the population. The purpose of the study is to assess the prevalence of Anemia among Government school going children aged 10-16 years in Pammal, chennai. Materials and methods: This study was conducted in Government schools of Pammal, chennai, India. It was a cross sectional study conducted from January 2017 to September 2017, aged 10-16 years. The students, parents, school authority was assured for their confidentiality of their response. Results: Results of the study revealed that overall prevalence of anemia in 10-16 year age children was 51%, in that 64% of the samples in girls and 48% in boys. After analysis and interpretation of data, severe anemia in girls was 9% and in boys 4% and the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia was 95.3% in anemic girls and 54.1% in anemic boys. Conclusion: The prevalence of anemia is very high in adolescent age group. Iron deficiency anemia was the most common type seen. In order to reduce the prevalence, improvement in dietary habits related to consumption of green leafy vegetables should be included in diet plan, health education, seminars on menstrual hygiene for girls should be conducted at regular intervals.