Anaemia and Refractive Errors among Medical and Paramedical Students of GMC Anantnag: A Cross-sectional study

Background:Anemia and refractive errors are prevalent health concerns among medical students due to their intense academic workload and potential nutritional deficiencies. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of anemia and refractive errors in medical students and explore their correlation.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted with 120 medical students from Government Medical College, Anantnag. Participants underwent comprehensive eye exams using Snellen and Jaeger charts for visual acuity and were assessed for anemia through hemoglobin levels. Refractive errors were categorized into myopia, hypermetropia, and astigmatism. Statistical analyses, including Chi-square tests, were performed to evaluate the association between anemia and refractive errors.Results:Out of the 120 students, approximately 51% were found to be anemic, with a higher prevalence among females. Refractive errors were observed in 25% of the participants. Myopia was the most common refractive error, affecting the majority of those with visual impairments. A significant association was detected between anemia and refractive errors, with a Chi-square value of 5.87 (p = 0.0153), indicating that students with anemia were more likely to have refractive errors compared to those without anemia.Conclusion:The study highlights a notable prevalence of anemia and refractive errors among medical students, with anemia potentially exacerbating visual impairments. These findings underscore the need for regular health screenings and interventions to address both conditions, improving student health and academic performance.