

Anaemic Conditions In Adolescent Girls And Its Implications
Anaemia has become a global health problem which has basically impacted the developing countries. The main reasons behind this are malnutrition, parasitic infections as well as infectious disease. Iron deficiency disease named anaemia is not only highly prevalent in developing countries but also has become a noticeable issue in developed countries. Do you know iron deficiency is not the only cause of the prevalence of anaemia but where anaemic is prevalent, iron deficiency is generally the most common cause? Anaemic has affected about 2 billion people all across the world. However, various studies have described the prevalence of anaemia across the world. This difference in estimation is because of the variation in methodological approaches and measures to track and assess the prevalence of anaemia across various communities.
Overview of the study
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 30% of the total population of the world was affected by Anaemia in the year 1985. On the other hand, 37% of the total female population of the world were anaemic in the year 1992. Not only this but also in the year 2008 WHO shared 24.8% of the world’s population is suffering from anaemia out of which 42% were pregnant women, 30% were non-pregnant women as well as 47% were adolescent girls who are school-going children.
As per the recent study done by WHO in the year 2011 around 496 million non-pregnant women as well as 32.4 pregnant women from aged 15-49 years were affected by anaemia. It has been said that half a billion women of reproductive age are generally affected by anaemia which has led to maternal death. Thus the need of the hour is to ensure the health care of the women of childbearing age specifically who are adolescent girls.
Anaemia
Anaemia Level |
Children |
Adolescent Girls |
Pregnant Women |
Mild |
8.0 – 10.99 g/dl |
10.0 – 11.99 g/dl |
8.0 – 10.99 g/dl |
Moderate |
5.0 – 7.99 g/dl |
8.0 – 9.99 g/dl |
5.0 – 7.99 g/dl |
Severe |
Below 5.0 g/dl |
Below 8.0 g/dl |
Below 5.0 g/dl |
Stages of Anaemia
Causes of Anaemia
Why are adolescent girls are at risk for anaemia?
As mentioned above adolescent girls are having a high risk for anaemia as compared to adolescent boys. This may be because of the several reasons which include the fact they lose each and every month due to menstrual cycles. Also, some girls eat less red meat as compared to adolescent boys.
On the other hand, some adolescent girls suffering from anaemia face headaches, fatigue or irritability (these are common issues though). So we highly recommend every teenage girl to go for screening for complete blood count around the age of 13 and then every 5 years or so.
Other risk factors
The prevalence of anaemia is a sign of poor health as well as poor nutrition of the nation. Do you know iron deficiency anaemia has been listed in the top ten risk factors which contribute to the global burden of diseases? It is one of the most common causes of the high risk of maternal as well as child mortality and it also increases the risk of foetal deaths, preterm, abnormalities as well as underweight babies.
Iron deficiency anaemia also affects physical development, motor skills, language skills as well as coordination among infant and young children and their development. Not only this but it also provides a negative impact on the immune systems which then increases the chances of infections leading to weakness, fatigue, lethargy, pain, depression, anxiety and decreased concentration. All the above-mentioned things affect the overall work capacity of an individual.
Prevention and control of Anaemia in adolescents
The primary prevention of anaemia is achieved with the help of well-balanced diet that is rich in iron and various other vitamins as well as minerals involved in the absorption of iron as well as in the production of haemoglobin or red blood cells.
A balanced diet rich in iron
Adolescence is the most important period for physical development as well as sexual maturation. So they need to consume a balanced diet. By balanced diet we mean to say that the diet which provides all nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, fats and vitamins in equal amounts to maintain health and well being.
Eating a balanced diet means the consumption of various types of food items such as chapatti, pulses, rice, green leafy vegetables, fruits and milk every day.
Following are the functions of the various food components and the reasons:
- Proteins are important for bodybuilding which help to repair and maintain the body tissues. Foods such as milk, egg, fish, meat and groundnuts are some of the examples of bodybuilding foods.
- Fats provides energy to the body and also offer fat-soluble vitamins. Examples: oil, ghee, cheese, butter, mustard oil, meat and fish.
- Vitamins and minerals are also needed but in small quantities as they play important roles in the growth and regulation of bodies such as fruits and vegetables.
- The need for the calcium is higher during adolescence due to the rapid increase in the lean body mass and skeletal growth. Milk and other dairy products are rich in calcium.
- Carbohydrates are the main source of energy. Rice, potato sugarcane, sugar and honey are the main examples of carbohydrates.
Iron deficiency in adolescent girls are common but if it is diagnosed early can be treated. We hope that this article is helpful to you.
Ms Joyeeta Bhattacharyya
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Ms Joyeeta Bhattacharyya#molongui-disabled-link
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Ms Joyeeta Bhattacharyya#molongui-disabled-link
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Ms Joyeeta Bhattacharyya#molongui-disabled-link
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Ms Joyeeta Bhattacharyya#molongui-disabled-link