Prevalence of Iron deficiency Anemia among Indian adolescent school girls: A cross-sectional study at a tertiary care centre.

Dr. Anuradha Upadhyay; Dr. Kavita Yadav; Dr. Rajesh Kumar Sharma

Volume : IX, Issue : VII, July - 2020

Prevalence of Iron deficiency Anemia among Indian adolescent school girls: A cross-sectional study at a tertiary care centre.

Dr. Anuradha Upadhyay, Dr. Kavita Yadav, Dr. Rajesh Kumar Sharma

Abstract :

Background: The adolescent population in India, is facing a series of serious nutritional challenges which are not only affecting their growth and development but also their livelihood as adults. The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia among adolescent school girls, and to study the socio-demographic factors associated with anemia. Materials & Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted in a school, nearby our tertiary care centre. A total of 100 participated girls (12-16 years) included in this study. Independent sample t-test was used for continuous variables and the chi-squared test for categorical variables. The severity of anemia calculated as per guidelines provided by the WHO. Results: Out of 100 students participated in the study, 46 (46%) female students were anemic; 20 (20%), 55 (55%), 20 (20%), and 5 (5%) students were anemic in underweight, normal, overweight, and obese body mass index (BMI) groups, respectively. These results were statistically significant (P < 0.01). There was no difference in prevalence of anemia in different groups of BMI and socioeconomic status. Conclusion: Students taking vegetarian diet were more vulnerable to anemia than students taking mix diet. It needs to increase awareness of iron deficiency anemia in adolescent girls and their parents.