A Cross–Sectional Study on Validity of Digital Hemoglobinometer in Estimating the Haemoglobin Level among Government school Children in Virudhunagar City, Tamil Nadu

Abstract

Introduction: Anemia is a significant public health concern, particularly among adolescents. With more than half of all adolescents living in Asia and a substantial portion in India, where adolescents make up 21% of the population, addressing anemia in this age group is vital. Objectives: 1.To estimate the validity of screening tool digital hemoglobinometer against the gold standard method- automated analyser, 2. To estimate the prevalence of anemia among the Government middle school children in Virudhunagar district using automated analyser. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted over a three-month period from March to May 2023 and included 357 students from government schools in Virudhunagar. Cluster random sampling was employed to select representative schools, and a semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect demographic data and information on risk factors. Haemoglobin levels were measured using both the digital hemoglobinometer and the automated analyzer. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were calculated to assess the validity of the digital hemoglobinometer. Results: The study revealed that the digital hemoglobinometer had a sensitivity of 75.64% and a specificity of 76.702% when compared to the automated analyzer. While there was a statistically significant difference between the two methods, the digital hemoglobinometer demonstrated its effectiveness as a screening tool, particularly for identifying cases of moderate and severe anemia. The study suggests that in resource-limited settings, the digital hemoglobinometer could play a crucial role in early detection and intervention for anemia among school children. Conclusion: These findings underscore the potential of accessible digital hemoglobinometers in school health programs, where advanced laboratory equipment may not be readily available. The study also highlights the need for further research with larger sample sizes and diverse digital hemoglobinometer types to refine and expand the use of this technology in addressing anemia in school-aged children.

Keywords

• automated analyser
• digital hemoglobinometer
• haemoglobin
• screening tool