Publication:

Assessment of the prevalence of anemia and its association with nutritional anthropometric variables and dietary intakes among fishermen at coastal area, India

Background Anemia is associated with poor physical performance due to promotes exhaustion and a lack of muscular oxygen, resulting in reduced muscular strength, quality, and performance. Various characteristics including ethnicity, sex, age, sociodemographic profile, eating pattern, physical and mental health, environment and genetics are correlated with anemia. Aim of our study is to explore the prevalence of anemia with difference BMI categories along with comparison of nutrients intake between anemic and non-anemic subjects in our study group in the area of coastline of Purba Medinipur district, India.

Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out from September 2023 to December 2023 in the coastline of Purba (East) Medinipur district, West Bengal. In the study, 410 fishermen and 205 non-fishermen were included.  Following standard procedure haemoglobin (Hb) estimation and anthropometric variables were measured. Diet survey was conducted by standard 24 hours recall method. Collected data was analyzed statistically using Student’s t-test, Chi-square test and bivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results Prevalence of anemia were more likely to non-fishermen compared to fishermen. It is also noted that obesity indicators are significantly higher in non-anemic participants. Participants who have been classified as overweight or obese take more nutrients and have a lower risk of anemia.

Conclusions The present study illustrates the prevalence of anemia among fishermen and fishermen with higher BMI are less likely to have anemia. This study exposes an inverse relationship between anemia and overweight/obesity to the fishermen in the maritime of Purba (East) Medinipur district. Poor nutritional status and unhealthy dietary practices are significant causes of anemia.