Title: Prevalence of Anemia among Adolescent Girls in Rural Population of Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgharh, India
Authors: Dr Vineeta Gupta, Dr Pravin S. Chavhan, Dr S. P. Singh, Mr Laxmikant Umate
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v5i2.26
Abstract
Introduction: The prevalence of under nutrition and anemia among adolescent girls is alarmingly high in India. Adolescent girls are at a greater risk of reproductive morbidity and mortality. To reduce the burden of anemia in adolescent population Government of India started WIFS scheme for all adolescents girls. This study was planned to assess anemia among adolescent girls of rural areas where WIFS scheme is running. Also to determine the role of sociodemographic variables on its prevalence.
Materials and Method: Present study was carried out in two higher secondary schools, in rural Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgharh. A total of 232 adolescent girls studying in standards 9th - 12thwere included in the study.
A predesigned and pretested schedule was used to collect the information regarding socio-demographic characteristics and other variables. Hemoglobin estimation was done by cyanmethemoglobin method. Statistical analysis was done by mean, standard deviation and chi square test.
Results: The mean haemoglobin level among adolescent girls was 10.91+1.32g/dl. The prevalence was found as 76.29%. A higher prevalence was noted in 14 - 16 years age group girls as compare to 17 - 19 years girls. The prevalence of anemia was found significantly higher in girls of illiterate or primary educated mothers, of housewives, and those having lowere socioeconomic background.
Conclusion: Though currently running programme for health and welfare of adolescent girls has the potential to break intergenerational cycle of malnutrition and deprivation, a further wide - scale approach is needed to address the other causes of anemia as well.
Keywords: Anaemia, Adolescent, Girls, Rural Population, Rajnandgaon
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