Nagaland has one of the lowest prevalence rates of anaemia in the country among pre-schoolers and adolescents, according to research.
The Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey (CNNS) 2016-18 report stated that the state has only 8 per cent prevalence rate of anaemia among pre-schoolers and adolescents.
However, among adolescents, the prevalence of anaemia was found to be quite high in Tripura (41 per cent) and Assam (37 per cent).
Among school-going children, Tripura (41 per cent) and Assam (35 per cent) were found to have the highest prevalence of anaemia.
Manipur was also found to have lower prevalence rate of anaemia among pre-schoolers.
The survey noted that the severity of anaemia varied across age groups.
Among pre-schoolers, 22 per cent had mild anaemia, 18 per cent had moderate anaemia and 1 per cent had severe anaemia.
Among school-age children, 10 per cent had mild anaemia, 13 per cent had moderate anaemia, and 1 per cent had severe anaemia.
Among adolescents, 17 per cent had mild anaemia, 10 per cent had moderate anaemia and 1 per cent had severe anaemia.
The report stated that anaemia was most prevalent at more than 50 per cent among both boys and girls under two years of age and thereafter, decreased steadily to 11 years of age to about 15 per cent.
Moreover, the report also found that the level of education of a person also played an important role in lowering prevalence rate of anaemia.
Compared to those currently in school, anaemia prevalence was higher among out-of-school children aged 5 to 9 years and adolescents aged 10-19 years.
The survey found that the prevalence of anaemia decreased with a higher level of mother’s schooling among both school-age children and adolescents.
