Prevalence of Anemia among Adolescent School Girls of Bardoli Taluka, Surat, Gujarat

Introduction: Anemia is a serious public health challenge in India. It affects women, adolescents and children throughout the lifecycle. In boys and girls it limits their development, learning ability, reduce concentration in daily task, increases risk of infections, increases school dropout rates and reduces their physical activity. Anemia in girls can increase risk of pregnancy associated complications like premature births, low birth weight of baby and perinatal and maternal mortality. Aims of the study: The aim of the present study was to identify the prevalence of anemia and its associated factors among adolescent school girls of Bardoli, Surat. Material and methods: A cross sectional survey was carried out to identify the prevalence of anemia among 815 adolescent school girls from both Government and Private schools by using non probability purposive sampling technique and who fulfilled the inclusion criteria Digital hemoglobinometer was used to collect capillary blood for estimation of hemoglobin level. Result: Study results showed that, 694 (85 %) girls were having anemia and 15% of them had normal hemoglobin level. 48% had mild anemia and 37% had moderate level of anemia. 2 (0.24%) girls had severe anemia. It was highly prevalent among 417 (60.15 %) girls of government schools than the private school. Majority 551 of them were under weight (BMI < 18.5). Level of anemia was significant with age, residence, dietary pattern, education and occupation of parents, family income. Menstruation related factors like regularity, amount of blood loss was significant. Conclusion: Anemia is still a major health problem in our country. Anaemia among adolescent girls still continues to be a significant public health problem.