DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2018.v06i07.004

Pages: 2628-2634

The study was designed to screen medical students for anemia and beta thalassemia trait (βTT) using haematological parameters among medical students and advocate premarital counselling for thalassemia as they are the future healthcare providers. The study included 198 MBBS students. The demographic profile of students, Kuppuswamy’s Socio-economic status, dietary habits was entered in a proforma. Anthropometric measurements (body mass index, waist hip ratio, physical fitness index) were taken using standard anthropometric techniques. Complete blood count was performed along with calculating discriminative indices for βTT. In students with indices favouring βTT, Hb A2 estimation was done by HPLC. Prevalence of anemia was found to be 12% with majority being females (66.7%). Microcytic hypochromic anemia was the most common type of anemia observed (70.8%). Correlation of dietary preference with anemia and the difference in WHR between anemic and non anemic students was found to be statistically significant however PFI and BMI did not show a significant correlation with anemia. Discriminative indices favoured βTT in 2 students, further confirmed on HPLC. Its important to advocate iron rich diet among adolescents. Continuous follow-up program and nutrition education can improve nutrition status. Thalassemia screening is important to create awareness in prevention of beta thalassemia.