A study to assess the knowledge of adolescent girls about iron insufficiency and anemia

Abstract

Background: A lack of red blood cells messes up the bodys ability to reach physiological needs , and these needs can change a lot depending on a persons age. Iron deficiency is usually seen as the most common reason behind anemia, and it does a lot to disturb the physical functioning of individuals.

Objective: Anemia is seen in around 80–90% of adolescent girls , pregnant women , and preschool children. More than one fifth of the world population is affected by anemia , including about 5 million people in well developed countries. This study was done to judge what adolescent girls know, particularly about iron deficiency and anemia.

Method: A quasi experimental approach was used, with a one group post test type of layout where manipulation and evaluation of the experimental variables happened. A structured questionnaire was made as the main tool to check awareness of anemia and iron deficiency among adolescent girls. Data were collected from adolescent girls aged 12–18 years in Hoshiarpur. The participants were chosen depending on their ability to speak and understand English, and awareness was checked using structured questions.

Result: About 85.1% of the students fathers were educated, but mothers had a noticeably lower level of education. Only 12.8% of the parents were employed and also well educated. More than 62.9% of the students were from nuclear families , and around 76% came from middle class households. For nutrition, nearly 21% of students were underweight, and approximately 9% were overweight.

Conclusion: This study sort of showed a fairly high prevalence of anemia and iron lack among adolescent girls. The delay in timely action, together with worsening nutritional challenges, seems to push health outcomes toward anemia and iron deficiency. Overall, these results support the need for focused food related education and intervention programs for adolescent girls.