Prevalence of anemia in adult rural population of north India.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To find the prevalence of anemia in adult males and non-pregnant females of rural north Indian population. METHODS: During an epidemiological survey on hypertension in rural population of north India (n=2559), a random sample of 215 individuals underwent blood investigations including hemoglobin estimation. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of anemia in 16-70 years of age group was 47.9% (n=215), being 50% (n= 136) among females and 44.3% (n=78) among males. Low socioeconomic status, illiteracy and lower body mass index, were associated with higher prevalence of anemia. CONCLUSIONS: The finding of higher prevalence of anemia in adult males need further investigation and corroboration in other studies. The intervention for anemia should be directed on the community as a whole.