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Socio-demographic factors causing anaemia in adolescent girls in Meerut
Abstract
A cross-sectional sample survey of 556 adolescent girls (10-18 years) was covered by house-to-house visit in an urban area of Meerut which is the field practice area of Department of Community Medicine, L.L.R.M. Medical College, Meerut. In this particular study, socio-demographic factors causing anaemia in adolescent girls were studied. Results showed a significant difference in prevalence of anaemia in adolescent girls in relation to caste, socio-economic status, father's occupation and mother's education. Reverse association was seen between socio-economic status and the prevalence of anaemia in adolescent girls. Lower the socio-economic status, higher the prevalence of anaemia i.e. maximum (47.6%) in class V and minimum (29.1%) in class I and II. Fathers who were professionals had least prevalence of anaemia in their adolescent daughters.
... Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia. Numerous studies have shown that anaemia remains as a major public health problem among children and adolescents in India [2][3][4][5][6][7]. ...
... Several studies across India reported a wide range of prevalence of anemia between 25 and 95% among adolescents. [2][3][4][5][6][7] Variation in the prevalence estimates could be due to different methods used for haemoglobin estimation. It could also be due to the different cut offs used to define anemia. ...
Anaemia has significant negative impact on the health of school children including poor scholastic performance and cognitive impairment. The present study was done with the objective to estimate the prevalence of anemia among school going children in Ernakulam district, Kerala and to determine a few factors associated with anemia. Hemoglobin of 880 students of 6th to 9th standard in 11 randomly selected schools of Ernakulam district was estimated using HemoCue 201 photometer. Prevalence of anaemia was expressed using frequencies and percentages. Univariate analysis for factors associated with anemia was done. Selected variables were entered into a logistic regression model. The prevalence of anemia was estimated to be 44% (95% CI 40.67–47.33). Among them 0.8% had severe anemia, 3.5% had moderate anemia and 39.7% had mild anemia. Among them 21.3% and 52.6% reported not in the habit of consuming green leafy vegetables and citrus fruits respectively, at least three times on a usual week. Anemia among children was associated with female gender (adjusted OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.16–2.04), higher age group (adjusted OR 2.24, 95% CI 1.69–2.91) and regular intake of tea/coffee along with major meals (adjusted OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.20–2.04). Anemia among school going children in Ernakulam remains a public health problem and was more among females, higher age groups (12–15 years) and those reported regular intake of tea/coffee along with major meals. The consumption of iron rich foods among the students was poor. Behavior change communication for dietary modification and universal supplementation of iron is warranted.
... Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia. Numerous studies have shown that anaemia remains as a major public health problem among children and adolescents in India [2][3][4][5][6][7]. ...
... Several studies across India reported a wide range of prevalence of anemia between 25 and 95% among adolescents. [2][3][4][5][6][7] Variation in the prevalence estimates could be due to different methods used for haemoglobin estimation. It could also be due to the different cut offs used to define anemia. ...
Background and aim:
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections have been consistently reported over the last few years from the two wards of Thrikkaruva, Kollam district, Kerala, southern India. This study was conducted to determine the risk factors associated with HBV transmission in Thrikkaruva.
Methods:
This was a community based, case-control study, enrolling HBsAg positive cases diagnosed since January 2010. Controls were age (+5 years) and sex matched neighbourhood individuals. Data was collected using a questionnaire and all subjects were investigated for HBsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HBc. Local healthcare institutions serving the community were surveyed for infection control practices. Statistical analysis for HBV associated factors was carried out.
Results:
A total of 49 cases and 49 controls were included in the final analysis. Logistic regression revealed close personal contact with of a case of hepatitis B (adjusted OR: 3.09, 95% CI: 1.13-9.40) as a significant risk factor in the community. Qualitative examination of infection control practices at private clinics, barber shops and dental clinics revealed conditions conducive for HBV transmission in the community.
Conclusions:
Our study reveals active horizontal person-to-person HBV transmission in the village. Comprehensive action including vaccination of all susceptible contacts, promotion of infection control at health care institutions, and raising public awareness are recommended in this region.
... In the current study, adolescent girls from LSES families were 2.1 times anemic than from medium SES families. Which is a consistent study done in Turkey and Palestine Meerut [22,23]. In this case, it is not imposable to say poverty is one cause for iron deficiency aneamia. ...
... Consumption of tea and coffee after taking meal is the well known anti-nutritional factors that inhabit the bioavailability of iron. However, in the current study no association between taking coffee/and tea and anemia, unlike Meerut showed association [22]. The current study found that participants who consumed milk three times and above per week were 6.9 times more likely to be anemic than who had never consumed even once per week. ...
... Age contributed significantly to anemia in this study. This denies the reports of study done by Rajini [7], Kaur [8], Rita Singh [9] and Kotecha et al. [10] which stated that age was not a correlated factor. ...
... Results of this study show that there is a relationship between anthropometry and anemia. It coincides with the reports of Chowdry et al. [11] and contradicts with the documentation of Rita Singh [9]. The mean weight is significantly less than that of others. ...
... Study by Anurag Srivastava et.al [11] (Aug -Dec 2014) reported that if mothers are working about 70.6% girls are anemic, whereas in case of non working mothers 67.9% girls are anemic. Dheeraj Gupta et.al [14] (Sep 2010 -Sep 2011) also reported if mothers are working about 50.9% girls are anemic, whereas in case of non working mothers 30.6% girls are anemic. ...
Background: Amongst various causes of anemia, iron deficiency is responsible for about 50 percent of anemia in school going children and in women of reproductive age-group, and 80 percent in children 2-5 years of age-groups [4]. Several factors affect the nutritional status of adolescents. Among these, socioeconomic and demographic factors are associated with worldwide patterns of nutritional anaemia. So this study was planned to assess prevalence of anemia and its association with socio-demographic factors among school going adolescents of Bhopal district. Materials and Methods: This is a cross sectional study done after ethical committee approval, carried out in randomly selected government schools of Bhopal (M.P.), India. Results: Out of 257 study participants, 49.8% (128) were boys and 50.2% (129) were girls. 32.8 % boys and 57.4% girls had anemia. Out of all 64 anemic adolescents taking vegetarian diet, 23.4% were boys and 76.6% were girls and out of all 52 anemic adolescents taking mixed diet, 51.9% were boys and 48.1% were girls. Out of 93 menstruating girls, 54.4% girls were anemic with normal blood loss during menstruation, however 100% girls were anemic with excessive blood loss. Anemia was more prevalent in lower socioeconomic class, i.e. class IV and V (71.7% and 71.1% respectively) than in higher classes (Modified Kuppuswamy Classification). All these findings were found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: Higher prevalence of anemia among adolescents suggests that it is very essential to attend this problem. There is significant association of anemia with type of diet, menstruation and socioeconomic status. Promoting awareness regarding consumption of iron rich foods, educating about menstrual hygiene and screening target groups for anaemia should be done periodically. Prophylaxis and treatment of anemia should also be taken care of.
... (25) The researcher also reports that a vegetarian diet is low in iron & vitamin B12. (26) • Menarcheanaemia was found more prevalent in girls, who achieved menarche. • Immunization status-Girls were completely immunized while a maximum number of girls are not immunized. ...
Nutritional anaemia is a major health problem worldwide. Adolescent girls are the most vulnerable group of the population due to different reasons. Adolescence is a stage of transition from childhood to adulthood. Adolescence is a physiological & social process through which a child matures into an adult adolescent, comprised of 10-19 years old, from the largest generation of young people in our history. Nutritional anaemia is a serious health problem in Indian school children. A high prevalence of anaemia has been reported in non-pregnant adolescent girls. Adolescent girls are most vulnerable to the influences of cultural & gen- der norms, which often discriminate against them. Dietary patterns and physical activity in addition to schooling & countervailing social norms for early marriage influence the health and nutritional well-being of adolescents. At this age girls having menses and menarche age (10-13 years). In this age nutrients, requirements of iron further increase. This review article purposes the effect of various ayurvedic drugs on anaemia from the existing literature. Keywords: Ayurveda, nutritional anaemia, Pandu Roga, Adolescent girls.
... Some more studies on adolescent boys have observed higher prevalence of anaemia in underweight BMI category in boys (61)(62)(63). On the other hand, studies conducted among adolescent females have found that proportion of apparently healthy individuals have high prevalence of anaemia which is in concordance to the results of the present study (21,33,37,64,65). Faulty eating habits such as consumption of poor-quality diet, cheap packaged fried snacks and the rising trend of consuming junk snacks which supply empty calories may be attributable to high prevalence of iron and micronutrient deficiencies in underweight and normal weight individuals (33,64). ...
Background: Iron-deficiency anaemia is most common form of anaemia affecting adolescents in rural and urban setting in India. This condition has worsening effects on overall growth and cognitive development of children and adolescents. The paper evaluates sex and age-wise prevalence of anaemia in adolescents of Kukna tribe of Valsad, Gujarat. Methodology: Cross-sectional study on 296 Kukna adolescents(168 females and 128 males)aged 14-18 years was conducted. Dietary preference along with height, weight and haemoglobin status were taken. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS18.0. Result: Overall prevalence was estimated as 61.5%. Sex-wise prevalence was found to be 45.3%(females) and 16.2%(males). Frequency of anaemia was observed to be higher in vegetarians(n=112) than mix-diet individuals(n=68). Frequency of anaemia was reported to be greater in normal body mass index(BMI) females(n=55) and underweight males(n=37) with respect to females and males lying in other BMI categories. Prevalence rates of current study were greater than national prevalence of anaemia(53%) and greater proportion of females were found to be anaemic. Conclusion: There is a dire need for more micro-level and community-based studies for assessment of anaemia which will enhance the understanding about the vulnerable groups in the country.
... Singh R observed in a study that the prevalence of anaemia was 37.6% in the age group 15-18 years as compared to 35.4% in the age group 10-14 years. 8 Present study shows a significant association between status of menarche and anaemia among adolescent girls. The prevalence of anaemia was found 66.12% (41/62 girls) and 80% (112/140 girls) in girls who had not attained the menarche and who had attained the menarche respectively. ...
... During this period, it is observed that there is a rapid increase in height and weight, psychological, sexual maturity with cognitive development and even growth spurt. 1 The intense physical, psychosocial and cognitive development demands more caloric and protein requirements. 2 Worldwide population of adolescents is 1.8 billion, of this 90% of the adolescent population is reported to be residing in developing countries. 3 One-fifth of this world's populations are adolescent girls and 84% lives in developing countries. ...
Background: Socio-demographic factors such as age, gender, socioeconomic status, and education can influence health and nutritional outcomes, especially in adolescent girls. Aims and objectives of research work was to study of sociodemographic factors and their relationship with the morbidity among adolescent girls residing in slum areas of Pune region.Methods: A cross-sectional study of the urban slum population from October 2011 to September 2012. Adolescent girls of the age group 10-19 years who gave consent and are living in a slum area for more than 6 months were enrolled. Information on health status including morbidity was collected by health examination.Results: Majority of the adolescent girls (54.02%) had to age between 14-16 years. Majority of the adolescent girls (96.4%) were studying and were underweight (41.07%; of which majority 59.78% were in the age group 14-16years). Out of the 41.07% underweight girls, the majority (84.78%) had anaemia (p<0.05). A total 26.34% study subjects were stunted and 12.95% were thin (for both, commonly reported in the age group of 14-16 years). Majority of the girls (48.2%) belonged to class III SES. In class III socioeconomic status group mild, moderate and severe anaemia was reported in 50.45%, 41.51%, and 36.36% cases, respectively.Conclusions: Among the studied sociodemographic factors lower socioeconomic status and overcrowding had an impact on the morbidities. However, we noted a significant impact of morbidity in underweight girls.
... (p<0.05). 3 Lower family income was an important predictor of underweight. 4 Prevalence of anaemia and iron deficiency was 39% and 62% respectively, in young women of low socio-economic status in Bangalore. ...
... Some of the studies support this relationship. 7,8,9,10 ...
... Other studies also stated that age was not significantly correlated factor of anemia. [11,17,18] Anemia was significantly higher in girls with positive history of worm infestation, which was also reported by Kaur et al. as worm infestations may cause significant blood loss from gastrointestinal tract resulting in anemia. [11] As the sample size in our study was small, representative of only one urban slum of 380 slums in Kanpur, it limits the generalization of our results. ...
... It is a common nutritional problem among children and adolescents in India. [2][3][4] Iron deficiency anaemia adversely affects aerobic fitness, endurance capacity and efficiency of work. 5 It impacts cognition by decreasing the activity of iron-containing brain enzymes. ...
Background. Iron deficiency anaemia remains a major nutritional problem among adolescents in India. The weekly iron and folic acid supplementation programme was launched in Kerala in 2013–14. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of anaemia among schoolchildren in Kollam district, Kerala and determine the associated factors. Methods. The haemoglobin level of 1600 boys and 1600 girls belonging to class V to IX in 32 randomly selected schools in Kollam district was measured using HemoCue 301 photometers by trained nurses. They also recorded details about the intake of food as well as iron tablets by the students. The anaemia status was evaluated as per the WHO guidelines. Univariate analysis for factors associated with anaemia was done and selected variables were entered into a logistic regression model. Results. The prevalence of anaemia among the students was estimated to be 31.4% (95% CI 29.76–33.04). About 1% had severe, 11.9% had moderate and 18.5% had mild anaemia. Among them 35.3%, 22.3% and 45.3% reported that they were not in the habit of consuming meat, green leafy vegetables and citrus fruits, respectively, at least once a week. Anaemia among schoolgoing children was associated with irregular consumption of weekly iron folic acid supplementation tablets (adjusted OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.08–1.82) and regular intake of tea/coffee along with major meals (adjusted OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.21–1.66). Conclusion. Anaemia among schoolgoing adolescents in Kollam district is a public health problem and is more among those who consumed less quantities of weekly iron and folic acid supplementation tablets and those who regularly consumed tea/coffee along with major meals. It may be helpful to introduce a comprehensive school health anaemia prevention package with effective behaviour change communication for dietary modification as well as strategies to improve the coverage of the iron and folic acid supplementation programme along with its monitoring and evaluation.
... It is a common nutritional problem among children and adolescents in India. [2][3][4] Iron deficiency anaemia adversely affects aerobic fitness, endurance capacity and efficiency of work. 5 It impacts cognition by decreasing the activity of iron-containing brain enzymes. ...
... Prevalence of anemia of 25-95% was seen in several studies across the Indian subcontinent among adolescents of 11-18 years age group. [2][3][4][5][6][7][8]17,18 Several studies have found differences in the hemoglobin results estimated by different methods. Sahli's method of hemoglobin estimation has been used since long. ...
... Among the study subjects 50.5% had mild anaemia, 29 % had moderate anaemia and 20.5% 2,5,6,9,10 Our study shows a high proportion of severely anaemic cases which can be attributed to hospital based nature of study which is in accordance with a similar hospital based study in children by Sandeep Ray. 11 Mean iron intake was 10.5 mg/day. ...
BACKGROUND: Adolescence is the formative period of life when the maximum amount
of physical, psychological and behavioral changes takes place and this is a vulnerable period in the
human life cycle for the development of nutritional anaemia, which has been constantly neglected by
public health programs. The prevalence of anaemia is disproportionately high in developing
countries than developed countries. It has mainly been ascribed to poverty, inadequate diet, certain
diseases, pregnancy and lactation, and poor access to health services in developing countries
Prevalence of anaemia in adolescents in India have been reported in limited studies available from
16.25% to 96.5%. Nutritional anaemia constitutes the most important cause of anaemia in
adolescents. It is mainly due to deficiency of Iron, Vitamin B12 and Folate. Megaloblastic Anaemia
resulting from deficiency of folate and B12 appears to be increasing over the last two decades. AIMS
AND OBJECTIVES: 1.To study the types of nutritional anemia in adolescents (10-18 yrs.) attending
the hospital and correlate severity of nutritional anemia with serum levels of ferritin, Vit B12 & folate.
2. And also to determine demographic, socio-economic & nutritional factors for nutritional anemia in
adolescents. STUDY DESIGN: A cross sectional study was conducted in selected sample of 200
subjects. SETTINGS: The study was conducted in the Department of General Medicine, Azeezia
Medical College; during November 2011 to April 2013, as a cross-sectional observational study.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subjects were selected based on the inclusion criteria set and
evaluated with aid of laboratory investigation of blood samples collected from subjects. RESULTS
AND CONCLUSION: Present study was undertaken to find out etiology and socio-demographic
correlates of nutritional anaemia in adolescents. And it was found out that Folate deficiency was the
most common followed by Vitamin B12 deficiency & then irons deficiency. Also low intake of all the
three nutrients is a significant determinant towards causing nutritional anaemia. Other factors found
to influence the prevalence of anaemia were history of worm infestation, fathers’ occupation, calorie
intake and folate intake.
Globally anemia accounts for a majority of the nutritional problem and it is principally engendered by deficiency of iron. Its prevalence is inordinately higher among developing nations, because of low socioeconomic status and poor access to healthcare services. In developing countries, the adolescent group is more exposed to nutritional challenges and adolescent girls are more vulnerable to the disease. This survey is intended to evaluate the prevalence of anemia and its associated factors among adolescent girls in age group of 12-15 year in Jaipur district, this survey also generated the anemic cases in the adolescent girls of age 12-15 year. A cross sectional study was conducted from August 2019 to January 2020 by attending health check-up camps at various areas situated within 20 kilometers in Jaipur district. Hemoglobin estimation was done by using three-part auto analyzer method. Statistical analysis was done using Percentages and Chi-square Test. 75.39% girls were found anemic. Statistically significant association (p < 0.05) was found in anemia in adolescent girls with the history of receiving iron folic acid (IFA) supplementation, deworming, age, habitat, family type and status of menarche. Present study reveals that 75.39% girls were found anemic and the problem is significantly associated with status of IFA supplementation, deworming and family type.
Background: Anaemia has been acknowledged as a key public health issue in present scenario. The most common type of anaemia is Iron deficiency anaemia, and it occurs when your body doesn’t have enough of the mineral iron. Your body doesn’t have enough of the mineral iron. Your body needs iron to make haemoglobin. When there isn’t enough iron in our blood stream, the rest of the body can’t get the amount of oxygen it needs. Most cases of iron deficiency anaemia are mild and don’t cause complications. Aim: The study aims to assess the implementation status of ‘Weekly Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation’ (WIFS)’ component under Rashtriya Kishore Swastha Karyakram (RKSK) among the female students. Method: The study will be mainly qualitative in nature as it is primarily an exploratory study. This evaluation of the WIFS, for its efficacy, effectiveness and relevance clearly demonstrates that while the program is still relevant, implementation is not effective or efficient. Conclusion: The program was implemented nationwide in all schools without any exclusion criteria. Certain level has been achieved in WIFS programmein terms of compliance to IFA tablet consumption but there is a huge scope of improvement. Keywords: WIFS, IFA, Anaemia, Adolescent health
Background: Anaemia in adolescent girls leads to foetal morbidity and mortality in future. The current study was done with the aim to study the clinico-haematological profile of anaemia in adolescent girls in a tertiary care hospital of North India.Methods: An observational study was conducted among 50 adolescent girls with anaemia (Hb <12 g/dl) in the Department of Medicine in collaboration with Department of Pediatrics and Department of Haematology at VMMC and Safdar-jang Hospital, New Delhi. Detailed previous history of the patients was collected. Blood samples were collected from all the patients and analysed for hematological parameters. Data were analysed statistically and p values less than 0.05 was considered significant.Results: The prevalence of anaemia was common in the patients of age group of 15-19 years (58%). The common symp-tom observed was fatigue (82%). Pallor was the common sign noticed in 66% patients. Majority of the patients with anaemia belongs to upper lower class (52%). Mean value of haemoglobin was high (7.80±1.22) in microcytic hypo-chromic anaemia compared to other types of anaemia. Serum iron levels were low in both microcytic and dimor-phic group but the difference was statistically not significant (p=0.43). Serum vitamin B12 levels were low in mac-rocytic and dimorphic anaemia and the difference was statistically significant (p=0.001).Conclusions: This study showed that nutritional deficiency anaemia was more prevalent in adolescent girls of age group between 15-19 years of upper lower socioeconomic status. Nonspecific symptoms like fatigue and weakness should not be ignored in the adolescent girls as they could be important indicators towards incidence of anaemia in these patients.
In India, prevalence of anemia in adolescent girls is around 56%, ranging from 33% in Andhra Pradesh to 98% in Rajasthan. This study was undertaken to assess the operational status of weekly iron and folic acid supplementation programme. It was a community based cross-sectional study in the rural villages of Khordha district of Odisha. 30 villages were selected by cluster sampling technique and 10 girls of 10-19 years age from each village/cluster were included in the study. A total of 299 adolescent girls were interviewed, anthropometric measurements were done and haemoglobin was estimated by Sahli's method. The prevalence of anemia was found to be 83.95% and associated with mother's education, socio-economic status of the family, excessive menstrual bleeding, iron intake, nutritional status and worm infestation. 73% of adolescent girls had taken IFA (iron & folic acid) tablet at some time. There is a need for periodic screening of adolescents along with counselling of adolescents and capacity building of the stake holders.
Background: Adolescence - a period of transition between childhood and adulthood is a significant period of human growth and maturation. Adolescents represent about a fifth of India's population. Iron needs are highest in males during peak pubertal development because of a greater increase in blood volume, muscle mass and myoglobin. Many studies in recent times have highlighted the high prevalence of anaemia among adolescent girls in India, however, there is limited published literature on prevalence of anaemia among adolescent boys. Aims: 1. To find out the prevalence of anaemia among adolescent (10-19 years) boys and girls in the urban slum of Meerut. 2. To study socio-demographic co-relates of anaemia. Material and Method: A Community based cross sectional study was conducted in urban slum, Multan nagar, catchment area of Urban Health and Training Center, Department of Community Medicine, Subharti Medical College, Meerut. A total of 406 (216 females and 190 males) adolescents (10 -19 years of age) were included in this study. Haemoglobin estimation was done using Direct Cyanmethaemoglobin method. Statistical analysis were done using Microsoft excel 2007 and Epi info version 3.5.3. Results: The prevalence of anaemia among adolescent males and females was found to be 31.6% and 52.8% respectively. Statistical significant association (p< 0.05) of anaemia among boys were found with type of family, socio-economic status, educational status & academic performance. Among females, the statistical significant socio-demographic factors were socio-economic & educational status. Conclusions: A high prevalence of anaemia was found among adolescent males and females. Considering the possible implications of anaemia on adolescent growth and development, the nutritional status of adolescents should not be overlooked and suggests the need for routine iron supplementation even among adolescent boys. © 2014 Indian Journal of Public Health Research and Development. All rights reserved.
Four hundred and fifty four adolescent girls (11-18 years) were screened for nutritional disorders by anthropometry (weight, height and triceps skinfold measurements), clinical examination and hemoglobin estimation. Of these, 56% belonged to high socio-economic groups (Group A) and the rest (44%) to lower middle class (Group B). A large number of girls from Group B were undernourished (35.5% had weight/height2 less than the fifth percentile of reference standard) stressing the need for nutritional screening, nutrition and health education. Obesity was prevalent in 3.1% of Group A adolescents. Goitre grade I or more was observed in a high proportion of Group B girls, stressing the need for continued consumption of iodized salt in Delhi. Anemia appears to be a major health problem in adolescent girls in both groups (47, 56% in Groups A and B, respectively) underlying the ned for iron supplementation along with health education.
A survey on the prevalence of anemia, iron deficiency, and hemoglobinopathies (Hb S and beta thalassemia) was carried out in an ethnically mixed and carefully registered population of 45,000 living in an area in the Southern Turkey. A total of 1223 subjects (representing the population with respect to sex and age group) were surveyed. The rate of anemia was found to be 16.9% overall with a highest prevalence of 18.3% in the children (0-2 ages) and 16.3% in the 14+ age group. The prevalence of iron deficiency using low transferrin saturation as criteria was found to be 17.2% overall, being 48.0% in the infant group, 19.6% in the children, and 14.7% in the 14+ age group. The rate of Hb S using the sickling test was found to be 3.9% in the entire population without separating for ethnic groups. It was more prevalent (9.6%) in the Arabic speaking and not found at all in the Kurdish speaking people. The rate of beta thalassemia with a high HbA2 was 3.4% overall and highest (7.1%) in the Kurdish speaking people.
Iron nutritional status of adolescent girls belonging to an urban slum and rural areas was assessed by measuring serum ferritin levels. Overall anemia was observed in 25% of the girls irrespective of their urban rural residence. A higher percentage of rural girls (37.5%) especially below the age of 12 years showed evidence of anemia. Thereafter, the prevalence was similar in both urban and rural girls who had not attained menarche. With increasing age, urban girls who had attained menarche showed an increase in the prevalence of anemia. The prevalence of iron deficiency (serum ferritin < 12 micrograms/dl) showed a progressive increase from 60% at < 12 to 28% at > 14 yrs especially in the girls not attained menarche in the girls not attained menarche in the rural area. Overall iron deficiency was of much higher order in the rural girls irrespective of the menarcheal status. Distribution of iron/folate tablets to cover girl population may go a long way to correct the anemia and iron deficiency in the vulnerable groups.
In the last 10 years interest in adolescence has increased worldwide. Much of the attention has been on adolescent health in particular adolescent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases including HIV infection but adolescent nutrition has aroused little interest. 11 studies on nutritional status of boys and girls have recently been conducted in Benin Cameroon Ecuador India Jamaica Mexico Nepal Guatemala and the Philippines. The studies differed in protocol sample size and data collection methods. Anemia was the most important nutritional problem. Anemia prevalence was high in 4 studies (55% in India 42% in Nepal 32% in Cameroon 48% in Guatemala) and significant in 2 others (17% in Ecuador and 16% in Jamaica). Slow growth was common in 9 studies (27-65%). Height in girls as well as in boys did not improve during the entire 8 years of adolescence. It approached the fifth percentile at age 10 and at age 18. Low body mass index (BMI) was high (23-53%) in only 3 studies. It was surprising that boys had a BMI 2 times lower than that of girls relative to sex-specific data. With the difference in growth in height BMI increased substantially throughout the 8 years of adolescence among all girls for both low BMI or satisfactory BMI at age 10 but only for low BMI among boys age 10. At age 18 the median BMI for girls and boys was well below the fifth percentile. However in 3 countries where the median BMI at age 10 was low the boys did not reach the 50th percentile and were still growing while girls had reached the 50th percentile and stopped growing. These results suggest that the iron status of adolescents needs to be improved but it is necessary to be cautious when improving height when the BMI is adequate for age 18.
To assess the prevalence of anemia among urban school children of Punjab.
Cross sectional study.
Urban schools of Ludhiana, Punjab.
Two thousand school children of 5-15 years age.
Relevant history was taken and a complete physical examination done in all the children. Hemoglobin was estimated using cynmethemoglobin method and peripheral blood smears were also examined. Anemia was diagnosed when hemoglobin was less than 11 g/dl for children of 5-6 years age and 12 g/dl for more than 6 years age.
Overall prevalence of anemia was 51.5%. Girls had a significantly higher prevalence of anemia except at 5 years and 10-12 years age. More menarcheal girls were anemic as compared to non-menarcheal ones. The prevalence of anemia was high (38%) even in higher socioeconomic groups. Nearly half (47.6%) of well nourished children were anemic. The mean Hb also was lower than expected normal values in both nutritional groups. Compared to non-vegetarians (38%), more vegetarians (65.9%) were anemic. The commonest blood picture seen was microcytic hypochromic (55.4%).
The present study revealed a high prevalence of anemia among healthy urban school children of higher socio-economic classes. Vegetarians and girls, especially after menarche were more at risk to develop anemia.
Micronutrient deficiency is a serious public health concern in most of the developing countries which leads to malnutrition syndromes. The micronutient deficiencies which are of greatest public health significance include iron deficiency, vitamin A deficiency and iodine deficiency disorder. National Pilot Programme on Control of Micronutrient Malnutrition was launched in 1995 and the department of biochemistry and nutrition of the All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health, Calcutta was entrusted to co-ordinate the activities. It presently covers five eastern and north-eastern states. Baseline situation analysis was conducted mainly on iron deficiency anaemia, iodine deficiency disorder and vitamin A deficiency. Comparing with WHO cut off figures, point prevalence of anaemia in various age groups was found to be high. Bitot's spot was mainly noted in the age group of 6-71 months. Nightblindness was found in the children of the age group of 24-71 months. High prevalence of nightblindness in pregnant women is a point of concern. Action needed to control micronutrient deficiency includes: Intervention strategies, extensive nutrition and health education, to support the problem specific programmes, to stregthen various state government programmes and strengthen role of NGOs.
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