Weight, height, and midupper arm circumference are associated with haemoglobin levels in adolescent girls living in rural India: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

We aimed to explore the association of physical parameters with haemoglobin (Hb) levels to test the hypothesis that impaired physical development is associated with anaemia. A cross-sectional survey study recruited adolescent girls (13 to 17 years) living in rural areas of Maharashtra state of India. Data were collected on physical parameters include height, weight, and midupper arm circumference (MUAC). Hb levels were measured using Sahli's haemometer. Linear regression was conducted to test the hypothesis. Data were collected from 1,010 girls on physical parameter and Hb levels. The majority of the adolescent girls were diagnosed with anaemia (87%). The regression analysis adjusted for age gave a significant association of Hb levels with all three variables (MUAC, weight, and height). Hb increased by 0.11 g/dl with an each centimetre of increase in MUAC (95% confidence interval, CI, [0.08, 0.15], P