Burden, Demographic, and Etiological Profile of Iron Deficiency Anemia Among the Tea Tribe and Non-tea Tribe Populations in Northeast India: A Cross-Sectional Study

A bstract Introduction: Anemia is a major global public health problem characterized by reduced hemoglobin levels, impairing oxygen transport. It affects approximately 2.36 billion people worldwide, with a higher burden in low-income regions. In India, particularly in Assam, anemia prevalence is notably high among tea tribe populations due to the poor socioeconomic status, nutritional deficiencies, and genetic factors such as hemoglobinopathies. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted over 1 year at Tezpur Medical College and Hospital, including a total of 200 participants, 100 each from tea and non-tea tribe populations aged above 12 years with symptoms of anemia. Data were collected through clinical evaluation, structured questionnaires, and laboratory investigations including hemoglobin estimation. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20. Results: Anemia prevalence was 62% in the tea tribe population and 49% in the non-tea tribe population. Females had a higher prevalence of moderate-to-severe anemia, whereas mild anemia was more common in males. Significant associations were found between anemia and low body weight ( P = 0.016), low income (<₹10,000/month), and nutritional deficiencies. In the non-tea tribe group, underweight individuals had a higher risk of moderate-to-severe anemia (odds ratio = 2.19, P = 0.049). Weight loss was also significantly associated with anemia severity ( P = 0.016). Conclusion: Anemia remains a significant public health challenge in Assam, especially among tea tribes. Targeted nutritional, socioeconomic, and healthcare interventions are essential, along with further research on genetic and biochemical factors.