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Prevalence of anemia in Schedule Caste preschool children of Punjab

Sharda Sidhu1, Kanta Kumari, Manjula Uppal

  • 1Department of Human Genetics, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar.

Indian Journal of Medical Sciences
|March 26, 2003
PubMed

Insights

A study found that 81.66% of Scheduled Caste preschool children in Punjab suffer from anemia. This condition, defined as hemoglobin less than 11 g/dl, was most frequent in 2-year-olds.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Pediatrics
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Anemia is a significant global health concern, particularly in preschool-aged children.
  • Nutritional deficiencies and socioeconomic factors contribute to anemia prevalence in vulnerable populations.
  • Scheduled Caste communities often face unique health challenges, including higher rates of malnutrition and anemia.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of anemia among Scheduled Caste preschool children in Punjab.
  • To identify age-specific patterns in anemia frequency within this population.
  • To provide data for targeted public health interventions.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 3,500 Scheduled Caste children aged 1 to 5 years in Punjab.
  • Hemoglobin levels were measured using the cyanmethemoglobin method.
  • Anemia was defined as a hemoglobin concentration below 11 g/dL.

Main Results:

  • The overall prevalence of anemia was found to be 81.66%.
  • Anemia frequency was highest in the 2-year-old age group.
  • The lowest frequency of anemia was observed in the 5-year-old age group.

Conclusions:

  • Anemia is highly prevalent among Scheduled Caste preschool children in Punjab, indicating a critical public health issue.
  • Age-specific analysis reveals a higher burden of anemia in younger children within this group.
  • Urgent, targeted interventions are necessary to address anemia in this population.

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