scholarly journals Public Health Crisis in India: Prevalence of Anemia in Three Villages

Blood ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 138 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 4158-4158
Author(s):  
Riya Bansal ◽  
Aaron Frank ◽  
Anna Aledia ◽  
Drew Park ◽  
Smeet Madhani ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Anemia, including Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA), is a prevalent public health crisis around the world. In IDA, red blood cells are unable to oxygenate tissues in the body due to the lack of essential iron. India has had a particularly high consistent prevalence of IDA since the National Family Health Survey began in 1991. Other forms of anemia can arise due to a lack of vitamin B12, folic acid, and other micronutrients that make up hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying in red blood molecules. The villages of Dhank, Kolki, and Bhimora in the state of Gujarat, India have not been focused on in great depth for the prevalence and severity of anemia. Researchers sought to understand the prevalence of anemia in rural areas from a public health standpoint. Understanding the prevalence of anemia in specific regions in India is imperative to identifying where to focus therapies that target iron deficiency and other causes of anemia, such as through the administration of iron, folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin C, and deworming medications. Methods and Materials Blood samples were taken to measure hemoglobin levels (g/dl) utilizing the glucometer device from two samples: boys and girls ages 0-18, and women ages 18-45 in the villages of Dhank, Kolki, and Bhimora villages in the state of Gujarat. Sample sizes were n=17,111 children and n=9,151 women. Researchers at the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine teamed up with the public health research team to statistically analyze hemoglobin level data, understanding prevalence of anemia in in the three villages. Researchers calculated the prevalence of anemia in both groups based on World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Results The results show levels of moderate and severe anemia within the states of Kolki, Bhimora, and Dhank for children aged 0-18 and women aged 18-45. In the children group, the highest level of "moderate" to "severe anemia" was in Bhimora. The lowest level of "severe anemia" and highest level of "no anemia" were in Kolki. Similar results were seen in the women's group. In the women's group, the highest level of "moderate" and "severe anemia" were in Bhimora. The lowest level of "severe anemia" and highest level of "no anemia" were in Kolki. Conclusion Anemia is a serious public health crisis within the state of Gujarat, specifically in the villages of Kolki, Bhimora, and Dhank for children 0-18 and women 18-45, as indicated by the high prevalence of moderate and severe anemia in these areas. These findings call for interventions to combat this public health issue. Future study of the data will show which specific socioeconomic factors (caste, class, working status, etc.) are associated with lower hemoglobin levels. These future studies, in turn, will guide the targeted deployment of iron, folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin C, and deworming tablets along with extensive educational intervention. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Blood ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 110 (11) ◽  
pp. 3754-3754
Author(s):  
Drorit Merkel ◽  
Ran Balicer ◽  
Nadav Davidovitch ◽  
Itamar Grotto ◽  
Salman Zarka ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: The prevalence of anemia and iron deficiency among adolescents and young adults in Israel has not yet been assessed. Studies performed among specific populations in Israel demonstrated highly variable rates of anemia of 6–58%, with iron deficiency rates of 13–38%. We have set out to investigate the prevalence of anemia, iron, folic acid and vitamin B12 deficiency among young males and females that are requited to the army in Israel (IDF). Methods: A random sample of 366 new recruits to the IDF (270 males and 96 females) participated in the study and undergone blood testing for Hemoglobin, Iron, Transferrin, Ferritin, Vitamin B12, Folic acid on recruitment day. Results: Anemia among females (Hb<12 gr/dl), was 15.1% compared with 11.4% among males (Hb<14 gr/dl). Transferrin saturation values indicating iron deficiency (15%>) were also more prevalent among females compared with males (28.1% and 9.7%, respectively), as were low ferritin rates (37.2% and 14.3%, respectively). Vitamin B-12 deficiency (<180 pg/ml) was found in 6.6–9.6% of the subjects, and folic acid deficiency was detected in 6.4–11.7% of the subjects. Low-level paternal education and immigration were two factors found to be negatively associated with anemia. Smoking was associated with low ferritin levels in males. Anemia and iron levels were not affected significantly by the type of service designed, as combat soldiers or for clerical work. Conclusions: Anemia and iron deficiency occur frequently among young adults requited to the IDF. They were more prevalent among females; but in males the prevalence is higher than expected. Low content of iron in the diet, infection like H Pylori and engaging in strenuous exercise preparing to service, may contribute to depleted iron stores. Low-level paternal education and immigration was surprisingly protecting factor, may be as a result of different eating habits. Anemia and iron deficiency, are known to reduce physical work capacity and mental performance, therefore it is important to perform more research to identify possible etiologies for intervention like education for proper nutrition, and adjustment of the diet in the military to tackle this prevalent problem.


2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 31-34
Author(s):  
Senem Kaptan

This article analyses how governments have sustained their relationship with their citizens amidst pandemic restrictions brought about by coronavirus through a focus on the acts of the Turkish government. Specifically, by looking at presidential letters addressed to the nation as well as the government’s fundraising campaign, I demonstrate how the Turkish state tried to manage a public health crisis and govern the collective body at once. In doing so, I argue that letters, by serving as both tokens of gratitude to the people and reminders of their patriotic duties, were a powerful political tool used both to re-establish the governmental intimacy between the state and its citizens that was disrupted as a result of pandemic restrictions and to assuage the repercussions of a possible political crisis.


2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. O. Aarts ◽  
B. van Wageningen ◽  
I. M. C. Janssen ◽  
F. J. Berends

Background. Anemia associated with deficiencies in iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 are very common after Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (LRYGB) surgery for morbid obesity. This study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of anemia after LRYGB.Patients and Methods. A total of 377 morbid obese patients were included in our study. All patients underwent a LRYGB. Hematologic parameters were obtained prior to and after surgery on standardized time intervals.Results. Anemia was present in 21 (P=0.02) patients after surgery. Iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 deficiencies were diagnosed in 66%, 15%, and 50% of patients, respectively. In 86% of patients, anemia was accompanied by one of these deficiencies.Conclusion. These results show that anemia and deficiencies for iron, folic acid deficiency, and vitamin B12 are very common within the first year after LRYGB. We advise a minimal daily intake of 65 mg of iron in male and 100 mg in female patients, 350 μg of vitamin B12, and 400 μg of folic acid. Patients undergoing LRYGB must be closely monitored for deficiencies pre- and postoperative and supplemented when deficiencies occur.


Author(s):  
Angel Cruz ◽  
Alice Ammerman ◽  
Nancy Creamer ◽  
Barry Nash ◽  
Ethan Phillips ◽  
...  

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the North Carolina Local Food Council has strengthened its role as a cohesive and effective organization during a public-health crisis to share challenges, devise solutions, and build resilience across local food systems in North Carolina. The Council includes representatives from 21 organizations working across the state, as well as three representatives from regional local food councils. The Council’s response to the pandemic addressed three key areas of action: (1) Coordinate responses across multiple sectors; (2) Enhance collaboration across the food supply chain; and (3) Facilitate data collection and public messaging. This paper describes the positive impacts the Council has had across North Carolina on consumers and producers of local food as a result of this collaborative network and long-established relationships across the state. Now, more than ever, the relationships and collaborative efforts of statewide organizations and partners are needed. The Council’s crisis response has been strong because of the long-standing relationships of its members and its ability to share resources quickly, allowing it to work toward coordinated responses. The work of the North Carolina Local Food Council can serve as a model for other states that have state-level local food coun¬cils or want to develop them. In addition, the Council’s work demonstrates how collaborations among statewide partners can foster resilience within local food systems, particularly during a public health crisis.


2021 ◽  
pp. 21-31
Author(s):  
Evripidis STYLIANIDIS

The state of exception is provided for in constitutions in response to emergency situations. The resilience of constitutions is tested in such situations, which are marked by the concentration of power in the executive and limitations in the exercise of fundamental rights. Although the Greek Constitution allows for the declaration of a state of siege, this does not include the case of a public health crisis. Nevertheless, particular constitutional provisions form an emergency mechanism, which proved to be effective against the COVID-19 pandemic and in accordance with democracy and the rule of law.


Author(s):  
H. M. Keshava Murthy ◽  
Tanishka K. Murthy ◽  
Amol Nath

Background: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a major public health issue worldwide, especially in developing countries. Anemia prevalence in young children, particularly girls, continues to remain high in most parts of India and Asia. Aims and objectives were to study the prevalence of anemia (IDA) among school girl children of age group between 5-16 years and to assess the effectiveness of iron-folic acid supplements and iron rich diet.Methods: The study was conducted among 558 school girls in the age group between 5-16 years (1st to 10th standard) at a Kendriya Vidyalaya in Punjab. The study group was checked for their hemoglobin level. Health education regarding prevention of anemia was imparted to girls and their parents followed by daily iron-folic acid supplement. Their hemoglobin was again checked after three months of supplementation.Results: The prevalence of anemia in the study group was 65%.  After the intervention, the Hb level was significantly increased as shown by increase in mean and SD of Hb% from 9.75±1.24 to 11.66±0.98. The data was analyzed in two age groups, 5-10 years and 11-16 years, to check for any significant variation in their Hb levels. Though there was difference in prevalence of anemia in these age groups, the difference was not statistically significant.Conclusions: The study showed that prevalence of anemia is 65% and is still one of the major public health issues among school going girl children of all age. In addition to pre-school and adolescent girls, we also need to focus on pre-puberty girls, as anemia is equally prevalent among them.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miribane Dërmaku-Sopjani ◽  
Mentor Sopjani

Abstract:: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is currently a new public health crisis threatening the world. This pandemic disease is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The virus has been reported to be originated in bats and by yet unknown intermediary animals were transmitted to humans in China 2019. The SARSCoV- 2 spreads faster than its two ancestors the SARS-CoV and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERSCoV) but has reduced fatality. At present, the SARS-CoV-2 has caused about a 1.16 million of deaths with more than 43.4 million confirmed cases worldwide, resulting in a serious threat to public health globally with yet uncertain impact. The disease is transmitted by inhalation or direct contact with an infected person. The incubation period ranges from 1 to 14 days. COVID-19 is accompanied by various symptoms, including cough, fatigue. In most people the disease is mild, but in some other people, such as in elderly and people with chronic diseases, it may progress from pneumonia to a multi-organ dysfunction. Many people are reported asymptomatic. The virus genome is sequenced, but new variants are reported. Numerous biochemical aspects of its structure and function are revealed. To date, no clinically approved vaccines and/or specific therapeutic drugs are available to prevent or treat the COVID-19. However, there are reported intensive researches on the SARSCoV- 2 to potentially identify vaccines and/or drug targets, which may help to overcome the disease. In this review, we discuss recent advances in understanding the molecular structure of SARS-CoV-2 and its biochemical characteristics.


Coronaviruses ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 01 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saeed Khan ◽  
Tusha Sharma ◽  
Basu Dev Banerjee ◽  
Scotty Branch ◽  
Shea Harrelson

: Currently, Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has transformed into a severe public health crisis and wreaking havoc worldwide. The ongoing pandemic has exposed the public healthcare system's weaknesses and highlighted the urgent need for investments in scientific programs and policies. A comprehensive program utilizing the science and technologydriven strategies combined with well-resourced healthcare organizations appears to be essential for current and future outbreak management.


Author(s):  
Joshua M. Sharfstein

An effective communications approach starts with a basic dictum set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: “Be first, be right, be credible.” Agencies must establish themselves as vital sources of accurate information to maintain the public’s trust. At the same time, public health officials must recognize that communications play out in the context of ideological debates, electoral rivalries, and other political considerations. During a public health crisis, this means that health officials often need to constructively engage political leaders in communications and management. Navigating these waters in the middle of a crisis can be treacherous. Figuring out the best way to engage elected leaders is a core aspect of political judgment.


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