PREVALENCE OF IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA (IDA) IN ADOLESCENCE GIRLS OF PESHAWAR

ABSTRACT
Objective: The main objective of this study was to find out the Prevalence of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in adolescence
girls of Peshawar, the effect of dietary habits and anthropometric measurement in causing IDA.
Methodology: This cross sectional study was conducted on 400 adolescent girls selected randomly from girls’ schools
and colleges of different regions of Peshawar. The study was conducted for duration of two months from 15th June
2016 to 15th august 20016
Female students of fourth and final year MBBS were recruited as research assistants for data collection. The team also
consisted of a female doctor, a lady health visitor and a lab technician. They were explained with signs and symptoms
of anemia and also trained on how to examine the girls. A semi structured questionnaire was also designed for relevant
data collection and students were trained on it. Girls of adolescent age mainly of age 13 to 19 years of any class were
included in study while those with any systemic diseases were excluded from the study. A pilot study was conducted
to check the feasibility of study and questionnaire before the final study.
Most of the information’s were collected as verbal responses from the respondent; however data for clinical assessment
especially for signs for IDA was recorded after medical examination. Biochemical test for Hb were performed in the field.
The collected data was processed with the help of computer in Microsoft excel and all figures were computer generated.
Results: From the result of the research it proved that IDA is a widespread problem in adolescent girls of Peshawar
i.e. 61 %. The average HB level of adolescent girls is only 11.37 g/dl below the normal level of 12 g/dl.It was found
that BMI did not have any significant correlation with IDA. Dietary information pointed that increased dietary iron intake
does help in prevention of IDA.
Conclusions: A number of factors affect prevalence of IDA in adolescent girls. Major factor may relate to dietary/iron
intake. However, socio-economic status, education and even hygiene can have relevance on prevalence of IDA. The
empirical/primary data is required to confirm the prevalence and its causes with a specific degree of confidence in
Pakistan.
Key words: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA), Adolescence, Basal metabolic index (BMI), AnthSropometric measurement