DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2015.v03i06.052

Pages: 2402-2407

Anaemia is the most common and widespread nutritional disorder in the world. Anaemia is one of the major public health problems, affecting both sexes and all ages. It adversely affects the cognitive performance, behavior, and physical growth of infants, preschool and school-aged children. The immune status and morbidity from infections is affected by anaemia, of all the age groups. Specifically, anaemia during pregnancy increases perinatal risks for mothers and neonates; and increases overall infant mortality rate. In India, adolescent girls, who constitute a sizeable segment of its population, constitute a vulnerable group on account of son preference and practice of early marriage leading to a greater risk of morbidity and mortality. Several studies reported earlier confirm the need for special attention to improve the health & nutritional status of adolescents. In view of the immense public health consequences of anaemia, this study was conducted in the field practice areas of Department of Community Medicine, IGMC, and Shimla. A total of 421 girls were studied. They were clinically examined & predesigned & pre tested proforma as were filled up. Haemoglobin assessment was done using Filter paper Cyan metha emoglobin technique. Out of the sample of 421 girls in our study a total of 235 (55.34%) girls were found to be anaemic (Hb less than 12 g/dl). Mean haemoglobin in the study subjects was observed to be 11.463.16 and median value was found to be 11.6.gm/dl. From the literature searches, documented in the review of this thesis, the prevalence of anaemia in adolescent girls from India varied from 46 to 88%, and mean haemoglobin values varied from 7.6 to 12.7g/dl. So it was concluded that anaemia is prevalent in girls around menarche and Iron & folic acid supplementation is one of the most important nutritional interventions for adolescent girls.