THE PREVALENCE, SOCIAL IMPACT, AND PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS FOR ANEMIA AMONG ADOLESCENT GIRLS IN SOUTH INDIA

Abstract

AIM OF THE STUDY Anemia is the most common nutritional problem across globe especially among developing countries. The prevalance is much higher among females because of increased demand of iron during reproductive age group and low socioeconomic status mainly in developing countries. This study is to find out prevalence of anemia among adult females.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study a total number of 1500 adult female of age group 14 to 30 years were randomly selected in tertiary care medical college hospitals in Coimbatore  Tamilnadu and palakkad, Kerala. Blood samples were collected and analyzed using automated hematology analyzer and peripheral smear of the same were made and examined under light microscope.

RESULTS : This study shows overall prevalence of anemia was 84% of which majority were having moderate degree of anemia with 47 % followed by mild and severe with 24% and 23% respectively. Microcytic and hypochromic is the most common anemia by peripheral smear examination of the same which is mainly due to iron deficiency.

CONCLUSION:There is a significant prevalence of iron deficiency anemia among female especially among women in child bearing age group. This indicates an urgent need for improving overall nutritional status among female and iron and folic acid  and protein supplementation.