Prevalence of anemia among adolescent girls residing in rural field practice area of M. R. Medical College, Kalaburagi, Karnataka, India: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: A large variety of morbidities such as nutritional deficiency disorders (stunting, wasting), menstrual disorders, etc. prevail among adolescents. They make nearly one tenth of Indian population and form a crucial segment of the society. Their current nutritional status will decide the wellbeing of the present as well as the future generations. Under-nutrition among these girls was associated with reduced lean body mass, lack of muscular strength and decreased work capacity and obstetric complications. Anemia is common during adolescence due to demands of increased growth and menstrual blood loss. Studies have shown that iron deficiency exists in both clinical as well as subclinical forms in adolescent girls. In adolescent girls, the onset of menstruation can alter the iron status of an individual not only by creating a demand for more iron due to blood loss but also due to the pro-inflammatory nature of menstrual cycle itself. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out from January to December 2012. House to house survey was conducted; a pre-structured and pre-tested questionnaire was administered to all the adolescent girls of 10-19 years in the study area. Results: Majority of girls 121 (38.05%) were in high school; Majority of adolescent girls 132 (41.51%) belong to class IV; Out of 318 adolescent girls, 200 (62.89%) had attained menarche at the time of study; Majority of adolescent girls 176 (55.35%) were moderately anaemic, followed by 15 (4.72%) were having severe anemia, 13 (4.09%) were having mild anemia. Conclusions: Anemia is one of the health problems adolescent girls are facing in rural area.