Risk Factors for Anemia among Adolescent Girls
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Introduction
Adolescence is a crucial period of growth and development in girls and boys. During this period the risk of iron deficiency and anemia appears. In India iron deficiency anemia is a major public health problem affecting people from all walks of life (Dallman, Simes&Stekel, 1980).
Objective
to explore the factors influencing anemia among anemic adolescent girls.
Design
a qualitative analysis using grounded theory was carried out for the present study.
Setting
homes of the selected adolescent girls.
Instruments a questionnaire on background information, record of investigations, nutritional assessment and a semi structured questionnaire for interviewing.
Participants ten adolescent girls purposively selected; participated in the present study
Results
the age of the adolescent girls ranged from 12 to 15 years. They were studying in 8th, 9th or 10th standard. Calorie, iron&protein consumption was less compared to their requirement. Hemoglobin ranged from 7.2 to 8.2 gm/ dl.
Conclusion
adolescents perceived anemia as a major problem. Menstruation, worm infestation and dietary deficiency were found as the major cause; which was consistent with the literature. Therefore the study helps to conclude that health awareness programme for the adolescent girls and their society is essential in preventing anemia.
Keywords
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- The World Health Report. Life in the 21st century a vision for all, Report of the Director General Geneva: WHO, 46 & 82, 1998.
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