ANALYSIS OF ANEMIA PREVALENCE IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL AMONG LOW SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS PATIENTS

Abstract

Background: Anemia is a significant public health problem that affects the quality of life and job ability of a large number of people worldwide. It is noted that the prevalence of anemia in both sexes is due to many variables, such as insufficient consumption of nutrients and socioeconomic history.

Aims & objectives: To assess the incidence of anemia in patients of lower socio-economic status who have been admitted to a tertiary health centre under different departments.

Methods: The study is a retrospective examination of a span of two years of medical case reports. A total of 2152 case records obtained from Complete Blood Count were analyzed based on age, gender, different Departments & Haemoglobin Concentration. For assessing the severity of anemia, the guidelines set by the World Health Organization have been adopted.

Results: 56 percent of the 2152 patients had anemia. In females, there was a large preponderance of 75% (out of the total female cases) compared to 31% of males (out of the total male cases). 73 per cent had moderate anemia, according to the assessment, but only less than 10 per cent had serious anemia.

Conclusion: The prevalence of anemia was 56 percent in this sample. Most of them had latent anemia that was asymptomatic during hematological examination. Thus, before progressing to serious anemia, patients must be tested. This research highlights the value of providing health education along with dietary supplements on the adverse effects of anemia & lifestyle changes.

Keywords: anemia, complete blood count, low socioeconomic status.