Knowledge Level Regarding Anemia Among Adolescent Girls in Dharwad, Karnataka

Abstract

Anemia is the most common nutrient deficiency caused due to deficiency of iron, commonly found in adolescent girls and women. A study on knowledge level regarding anemia among adolescent girls in Dharwad, Karnataka through assessment of the knowledge, attitude and practice among the reproductive age group' was undertaken. A questionnaire was prepared, consisting general information, knowledge level, practices followed and frequency of consumption of foods rich in iron. The government school in the village of Narendra, near Dharwad District of Karnataka State was selected for the study. The adolescent girls (N=60) studying in high school were selected for the survey. Nutritional knowledge regarding anemia was imparted to the participants. Pre and post knowledge test were compared to study impact of nutrition education. Adolescent girls belonged to age group of 14 to 16 years. Family occupation was agriculture 33 (55%) and non-agriculture 27 (45%). Significant increase was observed in knowledge level of adolescent girls from 26.50 (44.80%) in pre-test to 53.00 (87.86%) post-test with t – value of 8.68. No significant difference was observed in practices followed. Green leafy vegetables, other vegetables, milk and milk products were consumed on daily basis. Fruits, germinated grains and fermented foods were consumed on weekly basis. Majority of them that is nearly 70 % of adolescent girls were vegetarians and did not consume meat. Egg was consumed on a weekly or monthly basis. Among nuts, groundnut was commonly consumed. There was no much difference observed in frequency of food consumption between pre-test and post-test. KEY WORDS: Anemia. Iron, deficiency, adolescent