Underweight as a Risk Factor for Nutritional Anaemia – A Cross-sectional Study among Undergraduate Students of a Medical College of Haryana

Abstract

Background: Nutritional anaemia is the most common nutritional problem worldwide. Underweight and anaemia are associated and together constitute a serious problem in developing countries like India. Aim & Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of anaemia among medical students and determine its association with their body mass index (BMI). Material & Methods: Hemoglobin estimation was done in 140 MBBS students and anaemia status was determined by WHO criteria for anaemia. BMI was calculated and interpreted using cutoffs for Asian Indian population. Statistical analysis was done by Chi-square distribution and Binary logistic regression. Results: Overall prevalence of anaemia in students was 55.7% and 78.6% females compared to only 32.9% males were anaemic (p<0.001). Gender was associated with both the severity of anaemia (p=0.028) and BMI (p=0.036). Prevalence of anaemia was significantly (p=0.007) higher in underweight students (88.9%) compared to normal (54.2%) and overweight/obese (46%) students. However, no association was found between BMI and severity of anaemia (p=0.985). Conclusion: Anaemia is significantly associated with nutritional status. Prevalence of anaemia is higher in underweight students compared to normal and overweight/obese students and management of both undernutrition and anaemia is critical for optimal results.