Prevalence of anaemia and undernutrition among street children in Mysuru, India
Abstract
Objectives: To assess the haemoglobin levels and nutritional status of the street children in Mysuru.
Method: In this prospective study, 204 street children were recruited. Clinical examination was done and haemoglobin was estimated with the cyanmethaemoglobin method. Classification of anaemia and undernutrition was done according to WHO criteria.
Results: Anaemia was noted in 52.5% children and 62.6% of these anaemic children had moderate anaemia. Prevalence of underweight, stunting and wasting was 76.5%, 36.8% and 52% respectively.
Conclusion: Of the street children in Mysuru, 52.5% had anaemia, 76.5% were underweight, 36.8% had stunting and 52% had wasting according to WHO criteria.
Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health, 2017; 46: 44-47
© 2017 K Jagadish Kumar, K B Chethak, H V Rama, H R Bhaktavatsala, V Vikash, published by Sri Lanka College of Paediatricians
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons License.