Original Article Screening anemia in adolescents: a study conducted at a tertiary care rural hospital

Screening anemia in adolescents

Abstract

Background: Anemia is a global public health concern. Adolescence is defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as ages between 10 and 19. In this phase of life, anemia can hamper neurodevelopment, puberty, work capacity, and it can increase the susceptibility to infectious diseases. A complete blood count (CBC) along with red cell indices are helpful, tools for the routine investigation of anemia.

Aims: This study aims to screen for anemia in adolescents at a tertiary care rural hospital.

Settings and Design: This was a retrospective study conducted in the department of pathology.

Methods and Material: CBC reports of the study participants were analysed. Results were tabulated using MS Excel software version 2301.

Statistical analysis used: Frequency analysis was performed to describe descriptive statistics frequency analysis; percentage analysis was used for categorical variables and the mean & standard deviation was derived for continuous variables.

Results: Out of 188 adolescent patients, mean age was 14.9 years; males predominated (n=106; 58%), anemia was most severe in the 11-year-old age group (n=19; hb-11.3 g/dl). Ninety-six patients were anemic; 49 had microcytic anemia (mean MCV-67.3 fl). Four patients had macrocytic anemia (mean MCV-104.6 fl); 43 patients had normocytic anemia (mean MCV-85.4 fl).

Conclusions: This study was an assessment of anemia in adolescents in the Maval region of Maharashtra, India. Nutrition and underlying infection have a role to play in the etiology of anemia. In resource limited conditions, a simple CBC is a powerful tool to identify and classify anemia.