Abstract

Background: Anemia is a global public health concern, especially among young adults. Despite being future healthcare providers, medical students may also be affected by anemia due to lifestyle and dietary habits.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of anemia and assess associated factors among undergraduate medical students in a tertiary care teaching hospital in India.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2025 among 200 MBBS students at AIIMS Bhopal. Hemoglobin levels were estimated using an automated hematology analyzer. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on dietary habits and lifestyle.

Results: The overall prevalence of anemia was found to be 34.5%. Female students showed a higher prevalence (52.1%) compared to males (18.4%). Irregular meal patterns, vegetarian diet, and low iron intake were significantly associated with anemia.

Conclusion: Anemia is prevalent among medical students, especially females. Regular screening and nutritional education are recommended.

Keywords: anemia, medical students, hemoglobin, dietary habits, India

Introduction

Anemia is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a condition in which the number of red blood cells or their oxygen-carrying capacity is insufficient to meet physiological needs. In India, anemia remains a significant health burden, particularly among women and young adults. Medical students, despite their awareness, are often overlooked as a vulnerable group for nutritional deficiencies including iron-deficiency anemia.

Several factors such as academic stress, irregular meals, and restrictive diets may contribute to the development of anemia in this population. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of anemia among undergraduate medical students in a tertiary care institution and identify the associated risk factors.

Methods

Study Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study.

Study Setting: All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bhopal.

Study Population: Undergraduate MBBS students (1st to final year).

Sample Size: 200 students selected using simple random sampling.

Inclusion Criteria: Students aged 18–25 years who gave informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria: Students on iron supplements or diagnosed with chronic illnesses.

Data Collection Tools: A semi-structured questionnaire and hemoglobin estimation using an automated hematology analyzer (Sysmex XP-100).

Statistical Analysis: Data were entered into MS Excel and analyzed using SPSS v25. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and chi-square tests were used to identify associations (p<0.05 considered statistically significant).

Results

Out of 200 students, 89 (44.5%) were male and 111 (55.5%) were female. The overall prevalence of anemia was 34.5% (69/200).

Gender-wise distribution:

Males: 18.4% (16/89)

Females: 52.1% (53/111)

Severity:

Mild: 26%

Moderate: 8.5%

Severe: 0%

Significant risk factors:

Vegetarian diet (p=0.003)

Irregular meal timing (p=0.001)

Low iron intake (p=0.001)

Discussion

The study revealed that over one-third of medical students were anemic, with a significantly higher prevalence in females. These findings are consistent with other Indian studies indicating similar trends in female adolescents and young adults. Contributing factors such as inadequate iron intake, stress, and poor eating habits are modifiable with appropriate interventions.

Despite being medical students, the participants demonstrated lifestyle patterns predisposing them to anemia, highlighting the need for awareness and preventive measures even in this educated cohort.

Conclusion

Anemia remains a prevalent issue among medical students, particularly among females. Routine screening, dietary counseling, and lifestyle modification should be integrated into medical education systems to ensure the well-being of future healthcare providers.

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