Prevalence of Anaemia and Age Related Changes in Haemoglobin Level of the Santal Labourers of Birbhum district, West Bengal, India

Abstract

Background: Haemoglobin level changes with sex, altitude, physiological condition, socio-economic condition, nutrition and so on. However, age related changes in haemoglobin level have not been well demonstrated. Objective: The study tries to find out (1) the prevalence of anaemia of the Santal labourers (indigenous and endogamous group) of Birbhum district, West Bengal and (2) also to find out age related changes in haemoglobin level of the Santal labourers. Material and methods: Cross sectional data have been collected on age and haemoglobin level from 697 adult (male = 301 and female = 396) Santal labourers of both sexes of Birbhum district, West Bengal. The data have been classified into five age groups (<30, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60+). Descriptive statistics and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) used separately for males and females. Results: Mean haemoglobin level of the study participants were 12.60±1.88 and 10.86±1.34 for males and females respectively. Around 60 per cent males and 80 per cent females were classified as anaemic. ANOVA depicts significant difference in haemoglobin level between/ among age groups for males but not in females. A gradual decline in haemoglobin levels observed with increment of age only in males. Discussion: Present study indicates that haemoglobin level gradually declines with progression of age in males but such consistent pattern was not observed in females. However, it is difficult to conclude with this small sample size and a particular population. Further, studies in different populations with large sample sizes are needed considering concomitant factor affecting haemoglobin level to make a generalized statement.