Clinicopathological Study of Anemia among Female Medical College Students

Anemia is a very common blood disorder associated with abnormal reduction in hemoglobin, RBC count and hematocrit values below the established reference values. It is very much prevalent and is largely undiagnosed among students in professional institute. Objectives & Aim: The objective of this study was tofind out the prevalence of anemia among females in medical college and to classify anemia based on red cell morphology. Materials and Methods: A cross – sectional medical institutional based study was conducted in the department of pathology. Information regarding diet, anthropometric parameters and menstrual history was obtained through a detailed questionnaire. Hemoglobin and RBC indices were analyzed using Horiba micros Dx auto analyzer. Results: Out of a total 150 medical students, 98were anemic. 89 had mild and 9had moderate anemia. The mean weight of the students were55.66±2.12kg (Normal),53.48 ± 11.31(Mild Anemia) and 47.44 ± 2.1kg (Moderate Anemia). There was a significant difference between weight of women with mild and moderate anemia (p˂0.001) and between normal and moderate anemia (p˂0.0001) respectively.30.3 % of students with mild anemia and 44.4% of students with moderate anemia complained of day time fatigability. 23.55% of students with mild anemia and 33.33 % of students with moderate anemia complained of inability to concentrate in the class. There was a significant association between anemia and duration of menstruation (p˂0.05) Conclusion: Prevalence of mild to moderate anemia among young female medical students was very high and is undiagnosed in most of the cases. A co – ordinated effort is needed for dietary modification, counselling, nutritional Supplementation and treatment of menstrual disorder. Keyword: Anemia, Young female medical students.