Original Research Article DOI: 10.18231/2394-2126.2018.0124 Indian Journal of Clinical Anatomy and Physiology, October-December, 2018;5(4):546-552 546 Study of anaemia amongst OPD patients visiting a private medical college in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh Smriti Rastogi 1 , Shah Mohd. Abbas Waseem 2,* , Rubeena Bano 3 1 Research Scholar, Dept. of Physiology, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 2 Associate Professor, 3 Professor, Dept. of Physiology, IIMS&R, Integral University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India *Corresponding Author: Shah Mohammad Abbas Waseem Email: abbas14waseem5@gmail.com Received: 13 th July, 2018 Accepted: 15 th October, 2018 Abstract Introduction: Anaemia is multi factorial with widespread negative consequences on health. It is more common in developing countries. It has a negative influence on the social and economic development of country. Materials and Methods: This study included 211 anaemic and 174 non anaemic subjects. Age, gender, socio economic status, dietary habits and education was enquired about and haematological parameters were analysed. Data was analysed using appropriate tests. Results: 54.8% patients attending OPD’s were found to be anaemic. It was higher in females (65%) than males (41.2%). As per WHO classification mild, moderate and severe anaemia was present in 54.98%, 37.91% and 7.11% subjects respectively. 63.99% anaemic subjects belonged to upper to middle class and 36.01% belonged to lower middle and lower class. Anaemia was higher in subjects belonging to middle to lower classes and those belonging to low education class like high school to illiterate class. Not much difference was found on the basis of dietary preferences. However the percentage of anaemic subjects with mixed dietary habits was slightly higher. Conclusion: On the basis of study it may be concluded that amongst OPD patient’s gender, socioeconomic status and education play role directly or indirectly in anaemia. Keywords: Anaemia, Socio economic, Education, Diet, Gender, OPD’s. Introduction Anaemia characterized by low Haemoglobin concentration is a major public health problem affecting 2% of population globally and is more common in developing countries. 1 It affects people from low, middle and high income countries. It results in poor pregnancy outcome, cardiovascular diseases, cognitive disabilities and decline in the work capacity which is proportional to severity and maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. 2-6 It is estimated that in developing countries, 42% of children below the age of 5 years and 53% of children of 5-14 years age are anaemic. 7 As per the report of NFHS-3 (2005-2006), 70% of children between ages of 6-59 months are anaemic in India. Out of these 70% majority are suffering from moderate anaemia i.e. 40%. The probability of anaemia in children is found to increase if the mother herself suffers from anaemia. 55% of female population in India were found to be suffering from anaemia. 25% of Indian males were found to be anaemic in the survey. 8 Common causes of anaemia are inflammation, chronic disease, iron deficiency, maturation defects, hemolysis, haemorrhage, tumors and bone marrow defects. 9-13 Dietary factors play an important role in anaemia and are more critical in low to middle income countries. The dietary preference does influence the bioavailability of nutrients. Lack of balanced diet may expose an individual to anaemia. 14 Social determinants of health also play an important role in the development of anaemia. These determinants include the conditions in which the people are born, living, working and age. These also include the factors which affects the living conditions. 15 Studies have shown that with increase in house hold income the trend of anaemia decreases. 16 Low socioeconomic status is an important risk factor for developing anaemia. 17 Studies have also shown association between nutrition, education and family income with anaemia. Education influences not only outcome of anaemia but also influences the attitude about anaemia. Studies have shown that educated parents are more likely to be aware about the causes and consequences of nutritional anaemia. 18 It has been found that women who have children and women who are working have more awareness about the nutritional anaemia and subsequently are found to be more health conscious. 19,20 Socio-demographic factors like education, type of family, parity, spacing and different trimesters significantly determines maternal anaemia. 21 Thus need of the hour is to work on programs which look beyond the traditional approach of evaluating the effectiveness of program’s in terms of increase in life expectancy or disability adjusted life years. 22 Since anaemia is multi factorial and also includes socio demographic factors, thus it is important that holistic and inclusive approach be followed. Justification of the Study: Results of a recent study show high prevalence of anaemia in Lucknow. Prevalence of anaemia is an indicator of poor nutrition and health. It has potential to negatively affect the