Anaemia – An Issue of National Health Concern

      

Brijesh Kumar Duvey1, Deepak Prashar1*, Subash Chand2

1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vinayaka College of Pharmacy, Kullu  (H.P), India

2Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manav  Bharti  University,  Solan  (H.P), India

*Corresponding Author E-mail:prashardeepak99@yahoo.in

 

ABSTRACT

Anaemia is a very common disease which is due to iron deficiency and is highly prevalent among population of developing countries. The present study is based upon the survey to find out the prevalent of anaemia in population. Further, the data is statistically analyzed and conclusion is derived. In this study hemoglobin (Hb) level in blood was determined along with the sociodemographic factor of more than 200 subjects residing in rural region. The subject population was comprised of 40% male while 60% female. The data revealed that the maximum number of male and female having the Hb level in between 9-12.5g/dl and 7.5 - 11.5g/dl respectively. The data showed that more than 65% of female are anaemic and having an Hb level in between 7.5 - 11.5g/dl. The data also revealed that more than 90% of these anaemic female are in between the age group of 20 to 30 yrs which highlighted a significant fact that maximum number of female were anaemic during their peak reproductive age. Moreover, in case of male 85% of total male subject having the Hb levels between 9 - 13g/dl were observed below the age group 20yrs. On the other hand 65% of males in the age group of 30- 40 yrs have Hb level above 13g/dl. During this study only 3% of total female subject were found Hb level below 7g/dl while in male only 1% subject were found the Hb level below 9g/dl. Present study concluded that there is an urgent need to improve the nutritional status and public awareness about this disease to improve the health status in rural area of the country.

 

KEYWORDS: Anaemia, hemoglobin, public awareness, Economic status

 

 

INTRODUCTION:

Megaloblastic Anaemia has been recognized as a very important clinical entity for over a century in developing country. The first clinical description of pernicious Anaemia, which is one of the known causes of megaloblastic Anaemia, has been founded by Thomas Addison in 1849.1 Megaloblastic Anaemia results from abnormal maturation of haematopoietic cells due to faulty DNA synthesis. Two vitamins, cobalamin (vitamin B12) and folic acid are essential for DNA biosynthesis. Deficiency of either vitamin results in asynchrony in the maturation of the nucleus and cytoplasm of rapidly regenerating cells2-3. Megaloblastic Anaemia leads to substantial morbidity if unrecognized or misdiagnosed. Its etiology is multi-factorial and may result from dietary deficiency, impaired absorption and transport along with the impaired utilization of these vitamins in DNA synthesis4. In India with diverse ethnic populations, different dietary and social customs, the incidence of megaloblastic Anaemia and its associated problems have not been adequately documented.

 

METHODS:

The present study is based upon survey to find out the establishment of Anaemia in population and the data is statistically analyzed. In this study hemoglobin (Hb) level in blood was determined along with the demographic factors of more than 200 subjects residing in rural area was conducted. The subject population was a mixture of 40% male while 60% female. Questioner contains clinical presentation, dietary history, past history of Anaemia, blood transfusions and drugs utilization. Details of physical examination were obtained from medical records of patients.

 

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION:

Table 1 findings specify that the female in the age group 20-30 shows lowest level of hemoglobin. This might be due to the factors like menstrual disorders, gestation and abortion. Further, the dietary schedule presents the low level in age group below 20 years.

 

Table 1 Represents the level of Hb in relation to Age

Age group (yrs)

Male (Hb g/dl)

Female (Hb g/dl)

<20

9-13

8-12

20-30

11-15

7.5-11.5

31-40

12-14

9-12

 

Economic Status:

The main cause of the Anaemia in both male and female is the poor diet. This is indirectly affected by their economic status. The person with good economic status can bear the liabilities of family and provide better and balanced diet. Figure 1 specifies that only 8% of the interviewed person showed the sign of anaemia with excellent economic status. This might be due to hereditary factor or some associated diseases. Moreover, the poor and very poor status leads to improper diet, which in turn arises the chances of anaemia (25 and 45% respectively).

 

Figure 1 Percentage data of anaemia in on basis of economic status

 

Conditions and Diseases:

Figure 2 and 3 clearly presents the facts that the menstrual disorders, in case of female is the main root cause of Anaemia followed by surgeries and others diseases. In case of males hereditary factors (17%) and old age surgery (49%) might be the cause factor of anaemia. 

 

Figure 2 Percentage data of anaemia in female associated problems

 

Figure 3 Percentage data of anaemia in male associated problems

 

Based on the survey results there is a perception that folate deficiency is the main cause of anaemia except this another main cause of anaemia is lack of knowledge about the nutrition habit specially in case of female in which more than 65% female and these are in their maximum fertile period. It also shows that the anaemic female may have the problem of conception due to low Hb level in the blood. It is also prominent to mention that menstrual disorder and nervousness to discuss might be one of the secondary causes of anaemia.

 

CONCLUSION:

In conclusion, anaemia causes substantial morbidity in patients. Anaemia must be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with pyrexia of unknown origin. Complete evaluation for subtle neurological signs and cardiac function needs to be done in the at-risk population to assess the deficiency of vitamins. Patients are being treated in the short term with haematinics and transfusions with relief of symptoms. In most instances long term follow up and diet counselling are not properly carried out. The fortification of diet to prevent anaemia needs to be taken up as a national public health issue.

 

REFERENCE:

1      Addison T. Anaemia—disease of the suprarenal capsules. London Med Gazette 1849; 43: 517–18.

2.     Refsum H, Yajnik CS, Gadkari M, Schneede J, Vollset SE, Orning LHyperhomocysteinemia and elevated methylmalonic acid indicate a high prevalence of cobalamin deficiency in Asian Indians. Am J Clin Nutr 2001 74: 233–241.

3      Schenk BE, Kuipers EJ, Klinkenberg-Knol EC, Bloemena EC, Sandell M, Nelis GF. Atrophic gastritis duringlong-term omeprazole therapy affects serum vitamin B12 levels. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 1999; 13:1343–1346

4.     Yusufji D, Mathan VI, Baker SJ. Iron, folate and vitamin B12 nutrition in pregnancy: A study of 1000 women from southern India. Bull World Health Organ 1973; 48:15–22..

 

 

Received on 16.03.2013          Accepted on 25.04.2013        

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Asian J. Res. Pharm. Sci.  2013; Vol. 3: Issue 2, Pg 66-67