STUDY OF VARIOUS SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS IN RELATION TO ANAEMIA IN SHIMLA HILLS
The immune status and morbidity from infections is affected by anaemia, of all the age groups. It hampers the use of energy sources by muscles and thus the physical capacity and work performance of adolescents and adults of all age groups. Specifically, anaemia during pregnancy, increases perinatal risks for mothers and neonates; and increases overall infant mortality. In view of the immense public health consequences of anaemia this study was conducted in the field practice areas of Department of Community Medicine, IGMC, Shimla, for a period of one year. A total of 421 girls were studied. They were clinically examined, & predesigned & pre tested proformas were filled up. Haemoglobin assessment was done using Filter paper Cyanmethemoglobin technique. It was concluded that various socio-economic factors affect anaemia levels like education of mother, living in joint families, rural-urban divide, knowledge about iron-rich food and economic status of the family and certain recommendations were made in the end to prevent anaemia in vulnerable population