Anaemia and Its Determinants among Adolescent Medical Students of a Health University in Tumkur, Karnataka, India

Abstract

Introduction: Adolescence is the period of most rapid growth second to childhood. The physical and

physiological changes that occur in adolescents place a great demand on their nutritional requirements and

make them more vulnerable to anemia. Anemia in adolescence causes reduced physical and mental capacity

and diminished concentration in work and also possess to major threat to future safe mother hood in girls.

Medical students, even though from a good socio-economic background, are vulnerable to anaemia because

of poor diet and increased physiological demand.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study was undertaken among adolescent medical students of a health

university in Tumkur, India.

Results: In this study, anaemia was seen in 11 (11.22%) of the study subjects. There was a statistically

significant association between anaemia and sex, type of diet, consumption fruits, and presence of pallor.

Conclusion: In the present study, anaemia was seen in 11 (11.22%) of the study subjects. Socio economic

factors have a significant role in occurrence of anaemia which later manifests itself as poor performance.