Effectiveness of Nutritional Intervention in Treating Anemia among Adolescent Girls

Anemia is the major nutritional problem in India. The prevalence of anemia is higher among developing nations, because of low socioeconomic status and lack of access to the healthcare services. Adolescent period is signalized by marked physical activity and rapid growth spurt; therefore they need additional nutritional supplements and are at risk of developing nutritional anemia. A quantitative approach with true experimental, pre test and post test control group design was used for the study. Methods and materials: Four schools were selected homogenously. Totally 240 adolescent girls, 12 to 15 years of age were selected. The blood samples were taken to identify the hypochromic and microcytic anemia. Pre and post assessment was done using the checklist for assessing the signs and symptoms of anemia and cyanmethemoglobin method for checking hemoglobin level. Results: After nutritional intervention 40% of the adolescent girls had a normal hemoglobin level (above 12gm/dl) and majority of anemic symptoms disappeared in the experimental group. Conclusion: This study indicates a need to educate the adolescent girls about anemia and its prevention, importance of intake of local available iron rich food. Regular screening of adolescent girls is a major source to rule out anemia.