Prevalence of anemia among college-going female students of Berhampore in Murshidabad district, West Bengal, India: A comprehensive study to explore the contributing factors

Abstract

Background: Anemia poses a remarkable health challenge worldwide, especially for reproductive age women in India. The NFHS-4 reported that approximately 63% of reproductive age women in West Bengal are affected by anemia. In Berhampore city, there is limited evidence concerning the prevalence of anemia and its contributing factors among reproductive age women. Aim & Objectives: This work aimed to find out the notable gap in anemia research among college going reproductive age women (18-23 years) of Berhampore Girls’ College, West Bengal, India. The objectives were to explore the prevalence of anemia and its contributing factors using. Methods: This study was conducted on 90 volunteers. Sociodemographic background, economic status, educational qualification of parents, food habit, anthropometric parameters were analyzed. Anemic patients were screen based on blood hemoglobin concentration. The statistical analysis was carried out using standard statistical tools. Results: This study indicates that 75.55% women are anemic, and, the prevalence of anemia is higher (86.36%) among rural population. The sociodemographic background, economic condition, parents’ education and food habits are very poor compared to urban women. However, the anthropometric variables are not correlated with anemia in either of the populations. Conclusion: Anemia is more prevalent in rural population possibly due to their poor socio-economic condition and insufficient food intake. Improving education, economic stability, and access to nutritious foods may help to combat the rising prevalence of anemia in rural areas.