Elise Corbett, Brigham Young University
Health
Background
Nutritional factors have been shown to contribute to depressed intellect and learning difficulties in children. Some areas of southern India have low nutrition and high anemia levels related to the vegetarian diets prevalent in those regions. In addition to not eating beef or pork, many in rural communities lack monetary resources to include fish or chicken in their diets. These dietary preferences contribute to a greater incidence of iron deficiency anemia in this population. Improving dietary intake and nutrition levels can contribute to better learning and energy levels in children.
Purpose
The goal was to screen 232 children at an educational institution in India to determine the prevalence of childhood anemia.
Method
Testing equipment was obtained and brought with investigator to India. Hemoglobin screening was made part of the routine health screenings performed at the beginning of each school year. Testing was performed on 215 school children ages 5 through 16 over several days. In addition, height, weight, age and 24 hour dietary recall was obtained.
Results
Preliminary review of data on hemoglobin levels revealed that of the 215 students, 43 percent tested lower than the normal range of 11-14 gms/dl. Fifty students were in the 10-11 gms/dl range, 38 tested very low with a hemoglobin less than 10 gms/dl, and 4 children had extremely low levels below seven.
Implications/Conclusions
A significant number of children would benefit from better nutrition levels to alleviate iron-deficiency anemia. Testing results were shared and discussed with the organization’s medical director. All children at the school receive a health drink each morning for iron supplementation. Plans were made to supplement this health drink with high iron foods including ground nuts, chickpeas, quinoa and ragi. Prevalence will be reevaluated and dietary changes made as needed.