ABSTRACT

Introduction: Anaemia is a global health challenge, and India is no exception. Large number of studies including National Family Health Survey-3 has quantified the prevalence of anaemia among children, adolescents, women in reproductive age group, pregnant & lactating mothers and adult men. However, there is a lack of studies among rural adolescents, especially in Nalgonda district of Telangana. This study was conducted among adolescent students of a government school located in Cherlapally village of Nalgonda district to detect the prevalence of anaemia, and study the associated socio-demographic factors.

Material and Methods: 150 students (71 boys: 79 girls) between 11 to 19 years of age were included in the study. Haemoglobin levels were detected by Sahli technique. The data was analysed using statistical software SPSS version 19. Results: The study revealed that, based on WHO definition of anaemia, 55.33% of study population were anaemic. The prevalence of anaemia was significantly higher among girls than boys. No associations were found between prevalence of anaemia and age, religion, type of family, education and income of head of the family and type of diet.

Conclusion: The study identified that anaemia is a significant public health problem among rural adolescents. The authors recommend that larger studies should be conducted to identify the prevalence of anaemia among adolescents, to provide baseline data for planning appropriate interventional programme.

Key words: Adolescents, Anaemia, Nalgonda