A cross-sectional study: assessment of undernutrition and anaemia prevalence among early adolescents of Bhandarahalli village, North Karnataka, India

Background: Adolescence is one of the critical periods in the life cycle phases in which each individual undergoes various physiological and psychological changes. Hidden hunger and undernutrition during adolescence are associated with growth impairment, poor cognition, lower immunity and higher susceptibility towards degenerative diseases in later periods. The purpose of the study was to assess undernutrition and anaemia prevalence among early adolescents in a rural area of Bhandarahalli, Karnataka. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted on government rural school children to assess their nutrition status including anaemia prevalence. Both male and female children (n=115) aged between 11 to 14 years were screened with the prior parent consent of participation acceptance. Anthropometric measurements and haemoglobin levels were measured by using standard tools and protocols. Screened adolescents were categorised based on the world health organisation's body mass index Z score. Results: The study revealed a higher prevalence of anaemia among screened subjects where 59.26% of girls and 44.44% of boys are anaemic with a haemoglobin level of below 11 g/dL. Body mass index Z score for age revealed a higher prevalence of undernutrition among both genders. Conclusions: The notably higher prevalence of anaemia and underweight among adolescents negatively affects the overall academic performance, productivity, and general well-being of adolescents; therefore, effective strategies need to be implemented to address these nutritional problems.