Abstract

Objectives: To study the prevalence of anemia among pre-school tribal children, to compare with the non-tribal children and to identify its association with selected socio demographic variables in Kerala.
Methods: Mananthavady ICDS block in Wayanad district of Kerala, which has the largest tribal population in the state was selected and a Descriptive Cross Sectional Study was conducted from December 2014 to June 2015, spanning 40 days in 20 randomly selected anganawadis. 469 children participated in the study. Hemoglobin levels were measured using standardized instruments and peripheral blood smears were examined. Socio demographic data were collected using structured questionnaire. Anemia was classified based on the hemoglobin levels, as per World Health Organization (WHO) standards. Percentages, means and associations were determined using PASW software.

Results: 469 children (228 tribal and 241 non-tribal) were analyzed. 88% of the tribal children and 47% of non-tribal children were detected to have anemia. Among children with anemia, 51% had microcytic hypochromic blood picture suggestive of iron deficiency anemia. Significant correlation was seen between anemia and prematurity, low birth weight, duration of breast feeding, overcrowding and educational status of mother.

Conclusion: A large proportion of preschool children in the region are having nutritional anemia owing to the inadequacy of essential micronutrients in their diet. The prevalence of anemia among the tribal preschool children is almost double compared to the non-tribal groups, which points towards the existing disparity in their standard of living. There is scope for further interventions especially among tribal population and we must ensure that necessary strategies are made based on the study to make health care services sensitive to the needs of the tribals.

Keywords: Anemia; Tribal; Pre-school; Wayanad; socio-demographic variables.