A Cross-Sectional Study on Socio Demogrphic Correlates of Nutritional Anemia Among Rural Adolescent Girls of Bhilwara District, Rajasthan Sachan Jyoti*, Swamy Deepa** * Department of Home Science, SMM Govt. Girls College, MDS University, Ajmer, Bhilwara, Rajasthan, India ** Department of Home Science, JDB Govt. Girls PG College, University of Kota, Kota, Rajasthan, India Online published on 25 October, 2016. Abstract Anemia is the most widespread nutrition problem in the world and has predominance in developing countries like India, particularly in children, adolescent girls and women. In developing countries it serves as a primary cause for 40% of maternal death either directly or indirectly. World Health report of 2002 identified anemia as one among the top 10 risks for infant mortality, maternal mortality and preterm birth. During adolescence anemia is more prevalent in both sexes due to growth spurt especially in girls where they are exposed to risk of onset of menarche. This stresses the need to investigate the factors associated with the prevalence of anemia. The main objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of anemia and its socio demographic correlates among rural adolescent girls (10–19 year) of Bhilwara district of Rajasthan. A cross sectional survey was executed among 420 adolescent girls in the age group of 10–19 year of age. Socio demographic variables like age, religion, caste, family type, family size, parental occupation and education and socioeconomic status were studied. Heamoglobin was determined. The result of the study reveals that prevalence of anemia as per the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended cutoff value of hemoglobin, among these adolescent girls was 79.52% with different grades of severity. Significant association of anemia was found to be with religion, type of family, mother education and socioeconomic status. There is a need to improve their haemoglobin status through dietary modification along with preventive supplementation and nutrition education. The study suggests a need to develop strategies for intensive adult education and to improve the socio economic status of the population through poverty alleviation programs. The study provides an indication to initiate strengthening of anemia prophylaxis programs for adolescent girls including nutrition education. Top Keywords Adolescent Girls, Anemia, Socio-Demographic Characteristics, Education. Top |