The objective of our study was to determine the prevalence of anemia among 14-19 years school going girls, risk factors for it and profile of micronutrient status among rural girls from western state of India.

Using a cross-sectional design, we obtained information on socio-demography, menstruation, dietary habits, knowledge and daily consumption of the government recommended iron and folic acid (IFA) tablets, and anthropometry. Blood was collected to assess haemoglobin, red blood cell indices, serum iron, folate and vitamin B12 levels.

Nagpur district, Maharashtra, India

A total of 221 girls aged 14-19 years studying in 24 government institutes included.

57% girls were anaemic, 84% had deficiency of one or more micronutrients and 60% were malnourished based on Body Mass Index (BMI). The prevalence of iron, vitamin B12 and folate deficiency was 37.7%, 69.8% and 1.4% respectively. Among anaemic girls, iron and vitamin B12 deficiency was observed in 45.5% and 67.5% respectively, vs. among non-anaemic girls it was 27% and 73% respectively. Iron deficiency was a predictor of anaemia and its severity. Girls residing in non-nuclear family were more likely to have anaemia. The consumption of daily non-vegetarian food and green leafy vegetables was 3% and 3.6% respectively. Only 9% consumed IFA tablets in the past two weeks.

Anemia is common in adolescent girls, particularly associated with iron and vitamin B12 deficiency. There is need to reconsider the approach to prevention of anaemia in adolescent girls, particularly before they become pregnant.