Anemia in relation to Body Mass Index and Blood Groups among College Students and Staff, Salem, Tamil Nadu

Objectives: 1. To determine the frequency of different blood groups among students and staff members in anemia awareness camp conducted in Salem for the colleges. 2. To find out the association between blood groups, BMI and age with anemia: differences between height and weight with anemia.

Methods: Study was performed at anemia awareness camp conducted for colleges in Salem district. After data editing out of 640, 465 participants’ data were selected from various departments (strata) for this study based on the stratified random sampling technique. Anthropometric parameters, including height in centimeters and weight in kg, were taken by weighing scale and measurement scale, HP-Kit used to measure the hemoglobin and then BMI was calculated by BMI index: BMI= weight in kg/ height in m2. Blood groups were determined by simple conventional slide method. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS 24.

Results: Blood group B+ was the principal blood group. Chi-square indicates blood group have strong association with anemia: Paired samples test shows the association between BMI and anemia: Correlation indicates the association between age and anemia. Hence ANOVA shows significant differences in height and weight of participants with anemia.

Conclusion: Blood group B+ was the principal blood group. Blood groups, BMI, age are closely associated with HB concentration on blood groups (anemia). Height and weights also influence the differences on the HB concentration.