Trends of Nutritional Anaemia Among Adolescents of Kukna Tribal Community of Gujarat, India

Abstract

Background: Iron-deficiency anaemia is most common form of anaemia affecting adolescents in rural and urban setting in India. This condition has worsening effects on overall growth and cognitive development of children and adolescents. The paper evaluates sex and age-wise prevalence of anaemia in adolescents of Kukna tribe of Valsad, Gujarat. Methodology: Cross-sectional study on 296 Kukna adolescents(168 females and 128 males)aged 14-18 years was conducted. Dietary preference along with height, weight and haemoglobin status were taken. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS18.0. Result: Overall prevalence was estimated as 61.5%. Sex-wise prevalence was found to be 45.3%(females) and 16.2%(males). Frequency of anaemia was observed to be higher in vegetarians(n=112) than mix-diet individuals(n=68). Frequency of anaemia was reported to be greater in normal body mass index(BMI) females(n=55) and underweight males(n=37) with respect to females and males lying in other BMI categories. Prevalence rates of current study were greater than national prevalence of anaemia(53%) and greater proportion of females were found to be anaemic. Conclusion: There is a dire need for more micro-level and community-based studies for assessment of anaemia which will enhance the understanding about the vulnerable groups in the country.

Keywords

• Anaemia
• haemoglobin
• tribal community
• adolescents
• Gujarat
• India