Prevalence of anemia and its correlates among adolescent girls in rural area of Dakshina Kannada District, Karnataka

Abstract

Background: In India, the population in the age of 10-19 years is currently estimated at 253.2 million, the largest ever cohort of young people to make a transition to adulthood. Nutritional anemia is one of most common micronutrient deficiencies in the world. It is most common in pregnant and lactating women, infants, preschool children and adolescent females. Iron deficiency anemia is a problem of serious public health significance. Present study was undertaken to assess the baseline data of prevalence of anemia and its associated factors among adolescent females belonging to rural community in Dakshina Kannada.Methods: A cross sectional study was done among the adolescent female population in rural field practice area of Dakshina Kannada district from July 2012 to June 2013. A pretested semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data regarding socio demographic profile, health status and nutrition. Haemoglobin estimation was done by Sahli’s method. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software trial version 16.Results: The study comprised of 436 study participants, out of which majority (25.5%) were aged 14 years. The mean age was 14.02±2.57 years. The prevalence of anemia among adolescent girls was 72%. Moderate anemia, mild anemia and severe anemia was 68.5%, 28.3% and 3.2% respectively. Pallor was present among 69.72% of adolescent girls.Conclusions: This study showed high prevalence of anemia among adolescent girls and the major associated factors age, diet, menarche attained and presence of pallor. Hence, there is a need to address the anemia problem of the adolescent population.