Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated With Anemia in Adolescent Females From Rural Maharashtra, India: Findings From...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Nutritional Epidemiology
• Adolescent Health

Background:

• Anemia presents a significant public health challenge in India, disproportionately affecting young populations.
• Adolescent females are particularly vulnerable, necessitating focused research on prevalence and contributing factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence and identify risk factors for anemia in adolescent females (10-19 years) in rural Maharashtra.
• To assess the feasibility of a combined community-based and hospital-based recruitment strategy for this demographic.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted in Osmanabad district, Maharashtra, involving 401 unmarried adolescent females.
• Anemia was defined as hemoglobin < 12.0 g/dL. Logistic and linear regression models analyzed risk factors and hemoglobin levels.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of anemia was 29.42%.
• Anemia risk increased with age and was higher among Muslim participants compared to Hindus. Paid work was associated with lower hemoglobin levels.
• Regular consumption of pulses/lentils (≥3 times/week) was linked to a reduced risk of anemia.

Conclusions:

• Anemia prevalence is moderately high in adolescent females in the study region, per World Health Organization criteria.
• Comprehensive interventions including education, nutrition, supplementation, and social support are crucial for prevention.