Abstract

Background: In developing countries, anemia is not only a problem of pregnant women or children but also a major problem of adolescents [5]. According to WHO adolescent ages are from 10 to 19 years [7]. Nutritional requirements in both boys and girls increase significantly during adolescent due to growth spurt [6]. In adolescents iron deficiency anemia can untowardly influence on growth, more prone to infection, and also worsen mental development, decreases scholastic performance and learning ability [8]. Objective of our study is to assess the status of anemia among adolescents of selected schools of Bhopal district. Materials and Methods: It is a cross sectional study carried out in a selected schools of Bhopal (M.P.), India after approval from Institutional ethical committee. Results: Among total 257 study participants, 128 boys and 129 girls prevalence of anemia is 32.8 % among boys and 57.4% among girls. Prevalence of mild, moderate and severe anemia among boys was 18.8%, 10.2% and 3.9% respectively. In case of girls prevalence of mild, moderate and severe anemia was 36.4%, 14% and 7% respectively. These were found statistically significant (p < 0.05). There was a significant association of anaemia with socio-economic status, where anemia was more prevalent in lower socioeconomic class in class IV and V (71.7% and 71.1% respectively) than in higher classes (Modified Kuppuswamy Classification) Conclusion: Anemia is highly prevalent among adolescent girls as well as boys. It is high time to pay attention on more education and information via schools as well as prevention and treatment provided according to national programmes.

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