A study to assess the Knowledge of Adolescent Girls Regarding the Prevention of Iron Deficiency Anemia in Selected Rural Areas of Mysore with a View to Develop an Information Booklet on Prevention and Management of Iron Deficiency Anemia

Abstract

Anemia is the reduction in the quantity of the oxygen carrying pigment, hemoglobin in the blood. It is one of the major health problems seen among the adolescent girls. A descriptive study was conducted to assess the knowledge regarding iron deficiency anemia among adolescent girls. 100 samples from selected rural areas of Mysore were selected using non probability convenient sampling. Data collection tool consisted of a personal profile and a structured questionnaire to assess the knowledge regarding prevention of iron deficiency anemia among adolescent girls. Content validity of the tool was established in consultation with subject experts. Reliability of the tool was done by using split half technique and the tool was found reliable. Collected data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings of the study revealed that maximum number of adolescent girls is having average knowledge regarding the prevention of iron deficiency anemia. It is found that the association between the level of knowledge of adolescent girls regarding the prevention of iron deficiency anemia is statistically not significant with their age, education, education of the parents, dietary pattern, previous information, type of family, religion and number of children in the family but there is an association between the family income and knowledge of adolescent girls. From the study it can be interpreted that majority of adolescent girl's knowledge regarding prevention of iron deficiency anemia is nearly average. From this study we found that there is a necessity to improve knowledge, so we have given the information booklet regarding the same.