Evaluation of Prevalence and Knowledge about Anaemia and Their Determinants Among Adolescent Girls

Abstract

Purpose: Adolescence is the crucial period of growth and development between the ages of 10–19 years. This is a vulnerable period for the development of nutritional anaemia. Lack of knowledge concerning nutrition is one of the most significant reasons for nutritional problems and inappropriate nutritional practices can lead to numerous complications. Methods: A school based cross sectional study was carried out in two social welfare residential schools situated in Hyderabad & Secunderabad. Total of 862 adolescent girls were screened from both the schools. Demographics, menstrual history, clinical history, KAP, anthropometry and haemoglobin were assessed. Results: A total of 862 girls were screened of which 746 (86.5%) were anaemic and 116 (13.5%) were non-Anaemic. %). Mild anemia was seen in 22% (95% CI range: 20-25%), moderate anemia was seen in 55% (95% CI range: 51%-58%), severe anemia was seen in 10% (95% CI range: 7.9%-12%). Only 13% had no anemia (95% CI range: 11-16%). The prevalence of stunting & thinness was 21.2% & 10.1% among the girls. Age, nutritional status, knowledge and clinical history were important predictors of anaemia. Conclusion: Anaemia was highly prevalent amongst the adolescent girls. There was poor knowledge about anaemia and its prevention. Personal Hygiene practice was found good among the girls. Focus should be on counselling adolescents to promote healthy eating habits and promotion of iron‑rich foods. Key words: Anaemia, adolescent, prevalence, nutrition, Knowledge, Attitude, Personal hygiene. Morbidity, Stunting, thinness, Menarchal Status.