Prevalence of anemia among reproductive-age females in the Tharu tribe of the Indo-Nepal border region

Background: India shares the largest number of anemia patients globally. Anemia in reproductive-age female, affects not only the maternal mortality and morbidity but inversely affect the pregnancy outcome also. Tribals in India are geographically isolated and most of them belong to very low socio-economic status. Regarding Tharu tribes, to date, there is no study to find the prevalence of anemia in this community. Aim: We aim to find the prevalence of anemia in the reproductive-age female of the Tharu community. Additionally, we also accessed the severity and possible causes of anemia. Materials and Methods: A total of 440 reproductive age females from the Tharu community were recruited in this study from Tharu predominant Tulsipur tehsil of Balrampur district on 8 December 2019. CBC of each sample was performed by a 3-part basic hematology analyzer. Results: The mean (SD) hemoglobin level of the study group observed was 11.11 (±1.96) gm/dl with a median value of 11.3 gm/dl. Prevalence of anemia was noted in 283 (64.32%) participants. Amongst the anemic subjects, mild, moderate, and severe anemia was noted in 33.57%, 57.24%, and 9.19%, respectively. Microcytic, normocytic, and macrocytic anemia was noted in 53.00%, 44.88%, and 2.12%, respectively. Conclusion: The high prevalence of mild and moderate anemia in reproductive-age women is a matter of concern and should be dealt with priority. Community-based screening for hemoglobinopathies is also needed to evaluate the actual cause of anemia