Anemia In Girls Research Articles

Iron deficiency in adolescent school girls from Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

Magnitude and severity of iron deficiency was evaluated in 413 randomly selected adolescent school girls (10–15 y) from Tigray, Northern Ethiopia. Mean (sd) hematocrit (hct) and ferritin levels were 42.9 (3.3) % and 48.4 (25.1) μg/L, respectively. Stunting was common (23.5%) and 27.1% were thin (−2Z) on the basis of BMI. Serum transferrin receptors (sTfR) for the 148 girls with lowest ferritins ranged from 4.5 to 20.5 with mean levels of 8.2 (2.6) mg/L. Mean and median (25th, 75th) for hsCRP were 0.99 (2.4) and 0.4 (0.2, 0.8) mg/L, respectively. The prevalence of anemia in the girls was 7.1% after adjusting hct for elevation (1500–2646 m). Fifty seven (16.2%) of the girls were iron depleted (ferritin < 15μg/L) and 13.7% had low iron stores (ferritin 15–30 μg/L) suggesting that iron deficiency was prevalent in this population. Anthropometric indicators including HAZ (r = 0.16) and MUAC (r = 0.16) correlated (p<0.004) with hct. Girls involved in fire wood collection and agricultural activities had significantly lower hct. The most common parasites were E. histolytica (19.9%) and H. nana (8.6%). However, parasites commonly associated with anemia including hookworm (1.8%), S. mansoni (0.6%) and malaria (0.6%) were rare. Anemia was a public health problem in the adolescents and 30% of the girls were at risk of iron deficiency (ferritin < 30 μg/L). Multifactorial causes of anemia in the adolescent girls needs further investigation. (Supported by: NORAD II, Mekelle Univ, Ethiopia & Oklahoma State Univ, USA).

Prevalence of iron deficiency anemia among adolescent schoolgirls from Kermanshah, Western Iran

Iron deficiency anemia is a major health problem in developing countries. Anemia reduces physical work capacity and cognitive function and adversely affects learning and scholastic performance in schoolgirls entering adolescence. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of iron deficiency, iron deficiency anemia and anemia among adolescent school girls aged 14–20 years from 20 different high schools located in three educational areas of Kermanshah, the capital of Kermanshah province in Western Iran. The prevalence of anemia (Hb<12 mg/dl) among adolescent school girls was 21·4%. Iron deficiency using a ferritin level <12 μg/l was found in 23·7% of studied girls. There were 47 girls (12·2%) with iron deficiency anemia (Hb<12 g/dl and ferritin <20 μg/l). Around 57·3% of anemic girls were iron deficient. There were no significant differences between the presence of anemia and the level of education of parents. The mean levels of hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean cell hemoglobin (MCH) and mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) in studied adolescent girls from Western Iran were found to be lower than those reported for females aged 12–18 years. In conclusion, regarding the detrimental long-term effects and high prevalence of iron deficiency, iron deficiency anemia and anemia in Kermanshah, Western Iran its prevention could be a high priority in the programs of health system of the country and supplementation of a weekly iron dose is recommended.

The iron status, clinical symptom and anthropometry between normal and anemic groups of middle school girls

This research analyzed the iron status, clinical symptoms and physical characteristics between normal and anemic group of middle school girls in the Ulsan metropolitan area. It was carried out with 237 subjects (normal 190, anemic subject 47). They were evaluated with a questionnaire and measurement of hematological indices. BMI (kg/m2) of the two groups were 19.54 ± 2.44 (normal girls) and 19.22 ± 2.27 (anemic girls). The hemoglobin concentration of the anemic girls were 10.84 ± 1.17g/dl and the serum iron of the anemic girls represent 35.15 ± 27.47 µg/100 ml. The TIBC (Total Iron Binding Capacity) of the anemic girls showed significantly high to 449.30 ± 64.87 µg/100 ml. The serum ferritin of the anemic girls was 20.53 ± 42.29 µg/ℓ, it represented significantly low. The symptom of 'pale face' of the anemic girls were higher than the normal girls. Hemoglobin and serum iron were negatively correlated with 'pale face'. The TIBC was negatively correlated with 'Get a cold easily'. The duration and amount of menstruation were correlated with iron status. This research is to be utilized as basic data for dietary support and nutritional education to improve their iron status.

Extent of multiple micronutrient deficiencies in anemic adolescent schoolgirls in rural Bangladesh

A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of selected micronutrient deficiencies among anemic adolescent schoolgirls in rural Bangladesh and to examine their relationships with hemoglobin levels. Three hundred ten anemic girls aged 14–18 years from eight Girls’ high schools in rural areas of Dhaka District in Bangladesh were included in the study. Information on personal characteristics and food habits were collected by interview. Parents were asked about their socioeconomic conditions. Anthropometric data and blood samples were collected following the interview. Twenty eight per cent of the girls had depleted iron stores, 25% had folic acid deficiency, 89% had vitamin B2 and 7% had B12 deficiencies. Further, a significant proportion of the girls had low vitamins A and C status. Frequency of consumption of meat, serum ferritin and vitamin B2 status were found strongly related to hemoglobin by multiple regression analysis. For 1 μg/L change in serum ferritin, there was 0.13 g/L change in hemoglobin, when adjusted for other factors. In conclusion, the data show that there is coexistence of multiple micronutrient deficiencies among anemic adolescent girls in rural Bangladesh. Of all micronutrients, only serum ferritin and vitamin B2 indicators were related to hemoglobin concentrations. Funded by Nestle Foundation, Lausanne, Switzerland.

Efficacy of twice-weekly multiple micronutrient supplementation for improving the hemoglobin and micronutrient status of anemic adolescent schoolgirls in Bangladesh

Although iron deficiency is a major cause of anemia, other micronutrient deficiencies may also play a role. We examined whether multiple micronutrient supplementation is more efficacious than is supplementation with iron and folic acid alone for improving the hemoglobin and iron status of anemic adolescent girls in Bangladesh. Anemic (hemoglobin < 12.0 g/dL) girls (n = 197) aged 14-18 y from rural schools in Dhaka District were entered into a randomized double-blind trial and received twice-weekly supplements of iron and folic acid (IFA group) or multiple micronutrients (15 micronutrients, including iron and folic acid; MMN group) for 12 wk. At recruitment, the characteristics of the girls in the 2 groups were not significantly different, except for family size and body mass index. At the end of the study, although both groups benefited significantly from supplementation, mean changes in hemoglobin and serum ferritin concentrations were not significantly different between groups. Compared with the IFA group, girls in the MMN group had significantly greater increases in mean serum vitamin A, plasma vitamin C, red blood cell folic acid, and riboflavin concentrations (assessed as erythrocyte glutathione reductase activation coefficient). After 12 wk of supplementation, only the prevalence of vitamins A and C and riboflavin deficiencies decreased more significantly in the MMN group than in the IFA group. Twice-weekly MMN supplementation for 12 wk significantly improved the status of the micronutrients assessed but was not more efficacious than was supplementation with iron and folic acid alone in improving the hematologic status of anemic adolescent girls. More frequent doses may be needed to achieve full benefit.

Prevalence and severity of anemia and iron deficiency: cross-sectional studies in adolescent schoolgirls in western Kenya

Anemia is a major public health concern in preschool children and pregnant women in the developing world. While many studies have examined these two at-risk groups, there is a paucity of data on anemia in adolescents living in developing countries in the complex ecologic context of poverty, parasitism, and malnutrition. We evaluated the prevalence, severity, and risk factors of anemia in adolescent schoolgirls in an area with intense malaria transmission in western Kenya. Two cross-sectional surveys were conducted, using a multistage random sample design. Public primary schools in an area with intense malaria transmission in western Kenya. A total of 648 randomly selected adolescent schoolgirls aged 12-18 y. The prevalence of anemia (Hb <120 g/l) was 21.1%; only one girl had an Hb less than 70 g/l. Ferritin levels were available from a subsample of 206 girls. The prevalence of iron deficiency (ferritin <12 microg/l) was 19.8, and 30.4% of anemic girls were iron deficient. Malaria and schistosomiasis were the main risk factors for anemia in younger girls (12-13 y), while menstruation was the principal risk factor in older girls (14-18 y). Iron deficiency and anemia in school-attending girls in western Kenya were more prevalent than in developed countries, but considerably less prevalent than in preschool children and pregnant women from the same study area. Our findings are consistent with other recent school-based surveys from western Kenya, but not with recent community- and school-based cross-sectional surveys from other parts of sub-Saharan Africa. It deserves further study to determine if adolescent girls not attending school are at higher risk of anemia.

A comparison of selected nutrient intakes in anemic and nonanemic adolescent girls in Kuwait

In Kuwait, as elsewhere, little information exists on the nutrition status and diet habits of adolescents. Anemia is a widespread problem among Kuwaiti adolescent girls and is most likely caused by iron (Fe) deficiency. We examined anemia and dietary intake to ascertain whether dietary intake was related to hemoglobin (Hb) and/or Erythrocyte Protoporphyrin (EP) values and if the intake of anemia relevant nutrients differed between anemic and nonanemic girls. We measured the Hb, EP, dietary intake (24 Hour Recall), and obtained various background socio-economic data from 255 high schools girls. Dietary intakes (e.g., of Fe and Folate) were below recommended levels in the majority of the girls. Girls whose intakes of Fe or Folate equaled or exceeded the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) had significantly higher mean Hb values. The results indicate that dietary intake of anemic girls is lower in important hematinics nutrients.

Use of anthelminthic drugs during pregnancy

Use of anthelminthic drugs during pregnancy

Anaemia and iron deficiency among adolescent schoolgirls in peri-urban Bangladesh.

To investigate the prevalence of anaemia and iron deficiency among adolescent schoolgirls in peri-urban Bangladesh, and to identify various factors associated with anaemia in this population. A cross-sectional design. Girls' high schools in five sub-districts of Dhaka. Adolescent girls (n=548) aged 11-16 y from nine schools in Dhaka district participated in the study. Socio-economic, anthropometric and dietary information were collected. Blood haemoglobin (Hb), serum iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), transferrin saturation (TS), serum ferritin (SF) and serum retinol (vitamin A) were determined. The prevalence of anaemia (Hb<120 g/l) among the participants was 27%. Seventeen percent had depleted iron stores (SF<12 microg/l). Of all anaemic girls, 32% had iron deficiency anaemia (Hb<120 g/l and SF<12 microg/l). When the girls were classified by serum vitamin A, the third with the lowest serum retinol levels had significantly lower Hb and SF levels. Significant positive correlations were observed between Hb and serum iron, TS, SF and retinol, while there was a negative correlation with serum TIBC. Occupancy, frequency of consumption of large fish, serum iron, TIBC, TS, SF and serum vitamin A were strongly related to Hb by multiple regression analysis. For 1 microg/l change in SF concentration, there was a 0.046 g/l change in Hb, when adjusted for all other factors. Anaemia among these adolescent schoolgirls in peri-urban Bangladesh cannot be explained by iron deficiency alone, and other causes may also exist in this population.

Disparity between Dietary Iron Intake and Iron Status of Children Aged 10–12 Years

Iron status was assessed in a representative sample of 188 adolescents living in a medium-sized city in Poland. Dietary intakes were evaluated using records of diet over a period of seven consecutive days. Subjects were considered to be iron deficient when two or more of the following parameters were abnormal: serum ferritin, transferrin saturation or mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration. Based on this definition, the prevalence of iron deficiency in the investigated sample of children aged from ten to twelve years was 12.7%. Iron deficiency anaemia was defined using the following criteria: haemoglobin values less than 12.0 g·dl –1 in girls or less than 12.2 g·dl –1 in boys, combined with an iron deficiency. With such a definition, the prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia in all subjects was 6.3%. Four boys (3.9%) and six girls (6.8%) were diagnosed as anaemic. The values for Hb in the anaemic boys ranged from 10.9 to 12.2 g·dl –1 and in anaemic girls from 8.7 to 12.0 g·dl –1. It was found that the majority of the individuals studied had a dietary haem-iron intake lower than that recommended. No relationship was found between the level of serum ferritin and total iron and vitamin C dietary intake, but there was positive correlation between serum ferritin and intake of haem iron. A seven-day dietary history questionnaire correctly identified children at risk of iron deficiency anaemia.

Analysing health systems: A modular approach

To assess the trend of sex disparity in hemoglobin concentration and prevalence of anemia among Chinese school-aged children from 1995 to 2010.Data were collected from 360 866 children aged 7, 9, 12, 14, and 17 years during 4 cross-sectional surveys (1995, 2000, 2005, and 2010) of the Chinese National Surveys on Students Constitution and Health. Shifts in hemoglobin concentration distributions were compared by sex. Average shifts and sex differences were calculated with quantile regression models. Logistic regression was used to estimate the prevalence odds ratio of sex for prevalence of anemia in different surveys.The mean hemoglobin concentration increased among Chinese children between 1995 and 2010, from 132.7 to 138.3 g/L in boys, and from 127.7 to 132.3 g/L in girls. The prevalence of anemia decreased from 18.8% in 1995 to 9.9% in 2010. It was higher in rural than urban children among all age groups. The prevalence odds ratios of girls versus boys for anemia increased in both urban and rural areas over time.Hemoglobin concentration and prevalence of anemia improved among Chinese school-aged children over time. Hemoglobin concentration improved faster in boys than girls and as a result the relative prevalence of anemia in girls compared with boys increased. Sex-specific preventive guidelines and public health policies for childhood anemia are needed in China.

Impact of iron supplementation on cognitive functions in preschool and school-aged children: the Indian experience

Four studies examined impacts of iron supplementation on school children of various ages and both sexes. The first study investigated impact of iron-folic acid supplements for 60 d on cognition in 94 boys and girls aged 5-8 y. Improvement in total scores of the anemics was significantly higher than the nonanemics in 7-8-y-old children only. The second study assessed impacts of supplementation on cognition in 14 pairs of 5-6-y-old anemic boys, with clear beneficial effects on cognitive function. The third study investigated effects of varying dosages of elemental iron on cognitive function in 48 boys aged 8-15 y, with different levels of improvement. The fourth study investigated impacts of iron supplementation on 163 anemic girls aged 8-15 y with treatment and evaluations at 4 and 8 mo, with significantly improved scores in cognitive function after the eighth month.

Iron deficiency in adolescent female dancers.

The iron balance of 25 adolescent dancers and 23 control females of the same age were studied. The concentrations of fasting blood haemoglobin, serum iron, serum transferrin and serum ferritin were determined. Iron supplementation (ferrous sulphate corresponding to 100 mg of elemental iron per day) was instigated if body iron stores were low (serum ferritin less than 30 micrograms.l-1). Blood samples were drawn again after ten weeks. Low haemoglobin concentration (blood haemoglobin less than 125 g.l-1) was more prevalent among dancers than among control subjects. Reduced iron stores as well as completely absent iron stores (serum ferritin concentration less than 12 micrograms.l-1) were equally common in both groups (25% of the subjects). Iron supplementation reduced the number of anaemic girls from 16 to 4 and the highly significant difference in haemoglobin level between the treated and untreated groups disappeared. Ten weeks of iron therapy was not, however, long enough to increase iron stores.

Faecal Anaemia in Girls and Young Women from 14 to 24 Years of Age, and Treatment by the Natural Saline Waters of Leamington SPA

Faecal Anaemia in Girls and Young Women from 14 to 24 Years of Age, and Treatment by the Natural Saline Waters of Leamington SPA