PREVALENCE AND CLINICAL PROFILE OF ANEMIA IN FEMALES AGED 10–15 YEARS AT INDEX MEDICAL COLLEGE

Background: Anemia is a major public health problem in adolescent girls, particularly in developing countries, due to rapid growth, menstrual blood loss, and poor nutritional intake. To assess the prevalence of anemia in females aged 10–15 ye Objective: ars and describe their clinical prole and associated factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Index Medical College Hospit Methods: al from January 2023 to March 2025. A total of 150 girls aged 10–15 years attending outpatient or inpatient services were evaluated. Hemoglobin was measured using standard methods and iron prole and B12 levels were also checked, and anemia was classied as per WHO criteria. Clinical examination and dietary history were recorded. Among 150 adolescent girls studied, 88 (58.7%) were found to be anemic. The m Results: ean hemoglobin level in anemic girls was 9.8 ± 1.4 g/dL. Mild anemia was present in 40%, moderate in 52%, and severe in 8% of anemic girls. Common symptoms included fatigue (74%), pallor (69%), and reduced concentration (42%). Menstrual irregularities were noted in 28% of anemic girls. Nutritional deciency was the most common etiology. Anemia is highly prevalent among adolescent girls, with most cases attributabl Conclusion: e to nutritional deciencies. Early screening and dietary interventions are crucial to reduce morbidity in this vulnerable population.