ANAEMIA IN SCHOOL CHILDREN- LOOKING BEYOND IRON DEFICIENCY

BACKGROUND Anaemia is one of the most common public health problems. The most significant contributor to anaemia is iron deficiency. Other nutritional deficiencies like folic acid, vitamin B12 and vitamin A can also cause anaemia. The aim of the study is to evaluate the prevalence and type of anaemia and its association with nutritional status in urban school going children (6-15 years) in Chennai, Tamilnadu. MATERIALS AND METHODS This cross-sectional, observational study was done between July 2016 and August 2016 in 490 school children in the age group of 6-15 years in Chennai. With the approval of the Institutional Ethics Committee and School Authorities, written informed consent was obtained from the parents and assent from adolescents over 10 years of age. Socio-demographic details were collected and anthropometric measurements were done by standard techniques. Haemoglobin estimation was done by HemoCue method and peripheral blood smear was taken, which was later reported by a pathologist. The participants were categorised into two groups, preadolescent (6-9 years) and adolescent (10-15 years). Nutrition stratus was assessed by Body Mass Index for age using revised IAP growth chart 2015. RESULTS The overall prevalence of anaemia was 22.4%. There was a significantly higher prevalence among adolescent girls (33%) with highest prevalence of 60% at 14 years. Among preadolescents, males had significantly lower mean haemoglobin. There was no significant association between nutrition status and anaemia. The commonest peripheral smear picture was dimorphic anaemia (67.8%). CONCLUSION The prevalence of anaemia among school children varies with age and gender and is highest among adolescent girls. The predominant dimorphic peripheral smear picture suggests that iron deficiency is not the only factor. The coexistence of other micronutrient deficiencies also needs to be considered.