Prevalence of Anemia and Dietary Iron Intake Among Female Adolescents (Grade 8-12) in Lahore
Abstract
Objectives: To assess the magnitude and status of anemia in adolescent girls and calculate their dietary iron intake through food frequency records to compare it with the dietary standards.
Study Design: The study is cross-sectional.
Place and Duration of Study: Three female institutions namely, Crescent Model Girls section, Government College of Home Economics and Lahore College for Women University were randomly selected.
Materials and Methods: The parameters for study included the information about age, height, body weight, socioeconomic status, information about anemia status and oral consumption of various iron containing pills. A 24-hour recall method was applied to calculate total iron intake. Food Frequency questionnaire were used to assess the consumption of typical iron containing foods. 450 adolescent girls aged 12-19 years were selected. A probability sampling technique was applied. Later on the sample was stratified according to their severity of anemia.
Results: The overall prevalence of 43%, 24%, and 28% was found among adolescent girls for severe, moderate and mild anemia respectively. Hemoglobin level varied from less than 8 mg/dl to more than 12 mg/dl. Dietary consumption of iron was much below the intake level recommended by WHO for the given age (from <8mg10mg/day among 84% population).
Conclusion: The appearance of symptoms of anemia are not enough to detect the problem. Blood tests are required. More intervention is required to improve awareness. Malpractices leading to less bio-availability of iron need to be corrected.
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