Prevalence, severity and correlates of anemia among adolescent girls in an urban village of Delhi: a cross-sectional study

Anshu Tomar; Bhawna; Feba; Anney Avarachan

doi:10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20263701

Authors

Anshu Tomar Community Health Department, Holy Family College of Nursing, University of Delhi, India
Bhawna Community Health Department, Holy Family College of Nursing, University of Delhi, India
Feba Community Health Department, Holy Family College of Nursing, University of Delhi, India
Anney Avarachan Community Health Department, Holy Family College of Nursing, University of Delhi, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20263701

Keywords:

Adolescent girls, Anemia, Nutritional status, Knowledge, Delhi, WIFS

Abstract

Background: Anemia is a major public health problem among adolescents in India, affecting growth and academic performance. Despite weekly iron folic acid supplementation (WIFS) program, data from urban villages is limited. Objective: To estimate prevalence, severity and assess socio-demographic, nutritional and knowledge correlates of anemia among adolescent girls in an urban village of Delhi.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 adolescent girls aged 10-19 years in Aali village, Delhi from 01 January 2025 to 31 March 2026. Multi-stage sampling was used. Haemoglobin was estimated using digital hemoglobinometer. Anemia was defined as Hb<12 g/dl. Data was analysed using SPSS v26. Chi-square and univariate logistic regression were used. p<0.05 was considered significant.

Results: Prevalence of anemia was 67.2%. Mild, moderate and severe anemia was 42.5%, 22.0% and 2.7% respectively. Prevalence was higher in 15-19 years 73.6% vs 10-14 years 59.4%, OR 1.86, p=0.003. Mother's illiteracy OR 2.61, p<0.001 and early menarche <13 years OR 1.74, p=0.013 were significant. Underweight girls had 4.67 times higher odds, p<0.001. Vegetarian diet OR 2.12, p<0.001. Non-consumption of IFA OR 4.52, p<0.001. Poor knowledge had highest odds OR 6.02, p<0.001.

Conclusions: Anemia burden is high. Modifiable factors like undernutrition, poor IFA compliance and poor knowledge are key drivers. A multi-sectoral approach strengthening WIFS, nutrition and targeted IEC through schools and mothers is needed.

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