Prevalence of Anemia Among Adolescent Girls in a Rural Area of Tamil Nadu, India

Anemia accounts for a majority of the nutritional problem across the globe. The prevalence of anemia is inordinately higher among developing nations, because of low socioeconomic status and indigent access to the healthcare services. Adolescent period is signalized by marked physical activity and rapid growth spurt; therefore they need additional nutritional supplements and are at utmost risk of developing nutritional anemia. This study was carried out to find out the prevalence of anemia among adolescent girls.

This study was a cross-sectional study conducted among 255 adolescent girls. After getting informed consent from the subjects, the information regarding age, sociodemographic status, menstrual history, and short clinical details were recorded. Blood samples were collected and analyzed using automated hematology analyser.

Overall prevalence of anemia was found to be 48.63% (n = 124). The majority of the anemic girls (55.64%, n = 69) were having mild degree of anemia. Among 255 girls, 188 (73.73%) were from the early adolescent age group (10-14 years). Prevalence of anemia (52.24%) was high among the late adolescents and those belonging to low socioeconomic class.

There is a significant relationship between anemia and socioeconomic status, dietary modification, nutritional supplementation, and helminth control; in addition, compliance with consumption of iron and folic acid tablets will prevent anemia to a great extent among adolescent girls.