Abstract
Rapid physical growth and the onset of menstruation during adolescence can increase the risk of iron deficiency (ID) and related adverse effects. However, little is known about the risk of anemia and ID among adolescent girls in Ethiopia. Therefore, we aimed to determine the prevalence of ID, low iron stores, and anemia and characterize selected risk factors in Huruta, Arsi Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among non-pregnant adolescent girls (15–19 years of age; n = 257). Data on household socio-demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, and women’s dietary diversity score (WDDS) were collected. Hemoglobin (Hb) and serum ferritin (SF), C-reactive protein (CRP), and α−1-acid-glycoprotein (AGP) concentrations were measured. Diets were predominantly plant-based, with a low consumption of animal source foods, fruits, and dark-green leafy vegetables. Only 4% of the adolescent girls had adequate dietary diversity (WDDS ≥5), and 35% were underweight. The prevalence of anemia (Hb <11 g/dL, 8.7%) and clinical ID (SF <15 µg/L, 8.7%) was low, but 41% had marginal iron stores (SF <50 µg/L). The low prevalence of ID, despite a predominantly plant-based diet is atypical and calls for adapted strategies to address low iron stores in this and other similar settings of Ethiopia.
Highlights
Rapid physical growth and the onset of menstruation during adolescence can increase the risk of iron deficiency (ID) and related adverse effects
The rapid growth that occurs during adolescence, the onset of menstruation, and the consumption of predominantly plant-based diets with low bioavailable iron, all contribute to the depletion of iron stores that substantially increase the susceptibility of adolescents to iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) and related adverse outcomes in future pregnancies[7]
We aimed to determine the prevalence of anemia, iron deficiency, and low iron stores in adolescent girls (15 to 19 years old), using a cross-sectional design, in the Arsi Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia, where diets are predominantly plant-based
Summary
Rapid physical growth and the onset of menstruation during adolescence can increase the risk of iron deficiency (ID) and related adverse effects. Such information is critical for the design and implementation of effective intervention that maximizes benefits while minimizing possible adverse effects
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
