ANEMIA PREVALENCE AMONG UNDERGRADUATE ALLIED HEALTHCARE STUDENTS IN WEST TRIPURA, INDIA

Anemia remains a significant public health issue among young adults, with implications for academic performance and overall well-being. This cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence of anemia and related hematological parameters among 180 allied healthcare students aged 18-23 years in West Tripura. Hematological evaluation revealed that while 41.1% of students maintained normal hemoglobin (12–14 g/dL), moderate anemia (10-12 g/dL) was present in 32.2%, mild anemia (8-10 g/dL) in 15%, and severe anemia (<8 g/dL) in 7.2%. Low red blood cell counts were observed in 27.8% of participants, and 22% had reduced packed cell volume (<36%), further reflecting anemia risk. Platelet analysis indicated that 55.6% of students experienced moderate to severe thrombocytopenia, underscoring susceptibility to bleeding complications. Although most students exhibited normal white blood cell counts (85.0%) and mean corpuscular volume (78.9%), deviations such as microcytosis (11.1%) and macrocytosis (10.0%) were noted, suggesting nutritional deficiencies. Notably, anemia prevalence was higher among younger students (18-19 years), indicating vulnerability during early college years. Despite high awareness of anemia as a health concern (87.8%) and willingness to adopt corrective measures (83.9% willing to take iron supplements), preventive practices were inadequate, with only 68.9% reporting regular breakfast intake and 40.0% consistent multivitamin use. These findings highlight the coexistence of hematological abnormalities and gaps between knowledge and practice in this student population. Routine hematological screening, targeted nutritional counseling, and health education programs are warranted to address anemia and its risk factors. Bridging the awareness practice gap will be crucial in developing effective anemia prevention strategies for young adults in educational institutions.