Micronutrient deficiencies and anemia among adolescents in rural south India: A game changer for public health interventions

Anemia remains a significant adolescent health concern with multifactorial causes. Hence, 253 adolescents were assessed for anemia using biochemical markers. Anemia was detected in 17.4% (95% CI: 6.3-28.5%) and it is more frequent among girls (20.16%) than boys (14.7%). It correlated with faith (p=0.025) but not with socio-economic status, caste, or parental education. Anemic participants had lower serum iron (p=0.001) and higher TIBC (p=0.025) suggesting iron deficiency. Ferritin was markedly lower in anemic boys compared to anemic girls. Elevated TIBC in 78.26% reinforced the prevalence of iron deficiency. These findings highlight the need for targeted nutritional interventions and screening programs.