Assessment of socioeconomic status and anemia profiles in adolescent girls in Nellore District and awareness of anemia complications:  A cross-sectional study.

M.Keerthi Thej; K. Divya Teja; P.V.Susheel Kumar

doi:10.51168/354ga376

Autori

M.Keerthi Thej Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry, ACSR Government Medical College, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, India.
K. Divya Teja Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology, ACSR Government Medical College, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh
P.V.Susheel Kumar Assistant Professor, Department of Hospital Administration, ACSR Government Medical College, Nellore,

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/354ga376

Cuvinte cheie:

Anemia, Adolescents, Awareness, Folic Acid Supplementation

Rezumat

Background

Adolescence is a critical growth phase marked by heightened nutritional demands, making young girls highly vulnerable to anaemia. This study evaluated the prevalence of anaemia, assessed various biochemical blood parameters, and measured the level of awareness regarding anaemia complications among adolescent girls.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 635 girls aged 12–18 years. Data were collected via socio-demographic questionnaires and anthropometric measurements. Multiple Blood Parameters (Hemoglobin, Serum Ferritin, Total Iron-Binding Capacity, and Complete Blood Counts) were evaluated. A validated tool was used to gauge awareness of anaemia complications.
Results

The overall prevalence of anaemia was 58.3%. A strong, statistically significant association was observed between anaemia severity and lower socioeconomic status. Furthermore, awareness regarding the long-term complications of anaemia was remarkably low, with only 31.2% of the participants demonstrating adequate knowledge.

Conclusion

Anaemia remains a severe public health crisis among adolescent girls in India, heavily driven by socioeconomic inequities and nutritional deficits. Targeted interventions, including nutritional education, iron-folic acid supplementation, and socioeconomic support, are urgently required to combat this burden.

Recommendations

There is a strong need for early intervention, particularly nutritional interventions in adolescent girls, which helps curtail future complications regarding health and pregnancy-related complications in the future.

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