Prevalence of anemia in adult rural population of north India.
OBJECTIVE
To find the prevalence of anemia in adult males and non-pregnant females of rural north Indian population.


METHODS
During an epidemiological survey on hypertension in rural population of north India (n=2559), a random sample of 215 individuals underwent blood investigations including hemoglobin estimation.


RESULTS
The overall prevalence of anemia in 16-70 years of age group was 47.9% (n=215), being 50% (n= 136) among females and 44.3% (n=78) among males. Low socioeconomic status, illiteracy and lower body mass index, were associated with higher prevalence of anemia.


CONCLUSIONS
The finding of higher prevalence of anemia in adult males need further investigation and corroboration in other studies. The intervention for anemia should be directed on the community as a whole.
Malhotra
P
P
Department of Internal Medicine and +Community Medicine, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh.
Kumari
Savita
S
Kumar
R
R
Varma
S
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000740:Anemia / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012423:Rural Health; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012923:Social Class