Establishing hemoglobin reference values in the Khasi population of Meghalaya, India
Banlamphrang Jyrwa, Rennie Orson LakadongObjectives:
Anemia remains a major public health problem and is more marked among indigenous peoples. There are limited studies relating to the hemoglobin (Hb) distribution and determinants of anemia among the Khasi tribe of Meghalaya. Assessment of the prevalence of anemia and its correlation with sociodemographic, lifestyle, and maternal health aspects among adult populations of Khasis.
Material and Methods:
This is a community-based cross-sectional study that included 494 Khasi participants aged 18–78 years, drawn from 39 villages in three districts of Meghalaya. Data on social and demographic characteristics and reproductive health were collected through structured interviews. Hb levels were estimated using a digital hemoglobinometer. Anemia was classified according to the World Health Organization standards. Statistical tests were done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 23 with Chi-square tests and binary logistic regression.
Results:
The overall prevalence of anemia was found to be 32.4%, significantly higher among females (79%) than males (21%). Mean Hb concentrations were 14.75 ± 0.98 g/dL in nonanemic men and 13.1 ± 0.60 g/dL in women. Anemia was significantly associated with gender, marital status, education, occupation, number of children, and interpregnancy interval ( p < 0.05). The prevalence of anemia was much higher in women who had more than two children and an interpregnancy interval of <2 years. Multiple logistic regression analysis presented female gender, married status, lower education, shorter interpregnancy interval, and history of miscarriage as significant predictors of anemia.
Conclusion:
Anemia in the Khasi tribe is influenced more by socio-demographic factors, lifestyle, and maternal health than altitude. To reduce anemia prevalence, nutrition and maternal health programs should be implemented in a culturally sensitive and appropriate manner.