Health Status Of Adolescent Girls Research Articles

MENSTRUAL CYCLE AND THE INCIDENT OF ANEMIA IN TEENAGE WOMEN

The prevalence of anaemia in Indonesia is still high, especially in adolescent girls. This is due to nutritional status, stress levels, knowledge and menstrual disorders. Menstrual disorders are related to the cycle or duration of menstruation or the amount of blood that comes out. The impact that occurs adolescents will feel weak, tired, lethargic, difficult to concentrate and for the long term related to fertility, and there is a possibility to deliver baby with weight and premature birth. The purpose of the study was to determine the relationship between the menstrual cycle and the incidence of anaemia in adolescent girls. Correlational descriptive research method with cross sectional approach. The sample was 68 respondents with total sampling. Data were collected through questionnaires in the form of fill-in sheets for menstrual cycles and anemia using easy touch to determine Hb levels. The results showed that respondents who experienced a normal cycle as many as 41 respondents (60.3%), 16 respondents (23.5%) experienced a long cycle and as many as 11 respondents (16.2%) experienced a short cycle. Respondents who experienced anemia as many as 36 respondents (52.9%) and did not have anemia as many as 32 respondents (47.1%). The results of the statistical test obtained a ρ value of 0.000. The conclusion of this study is that there is a relationship between the menstrual cycle and the incidence of anemia in adolescent girls. It is recommended for the nursing profession to provide information through health counseling in collaboration with the community and schools about anemia and its causative factors to improve the health status of adolescent girls

Sosialisasi Intervensi Non-Farmakologi Untuk Dismenore Primer bagi Remaja Putri di Wilayah Kerja Klinik Esti Husada Kota Semarang

This community service aims to provide knowledge for adolescent girls about overcoming primary dysmenorrhea with non-pharmacological interventions to improve women’s reproductive health status. The method of implementing this service uses health education-based socialization. The evaluation instrument for this activity uses a pre-test and post-test, which is then analyzed descriptively by comparing the average value between the two tests. The results of this service activity show an increase in the average value between the pre-test and post-test, which shows an increase in adolescent girls’ knowledge about overcoming primary dysmenorrhea with non-pharmacological interventions. Through this activity, it is expected to improve the reproductive health status of adolescent girls, namely preventing the onset of further diseases or sequelae due to primary dysmenorrhea.

Peningkatan Pengetahuan tentang Anemia dan Tablet Tambah Darah pada Remaja Putri di RT 01 RW 09 Kelurahan Kelapa Dua Wetan Ciracas

Adolescent girls who have menstruated will experience in their body changes. One of them is weakness during menstruation and even dizziness. Possibly this is caused by the amount of blood that comes out during menstruation, while the intake of nutrients containing iron and folic acid is less. The purpose of this community service is to provide education to increase the knowledge about anemia and iron-folic acid supplements by adolescent girls in RT 01 RW 09, Kelapa Dua Wetan, Ciracas, East Jakarta. Health education about Anemia and iron-folic acid supplements to adolescent girls was used as a method. The activities were carried out face-to-face at the house of one of the cadres and attended by 14 adolescent girls. The average age of adolescent girls was 15.29±2.23 years with a minimum age 11 years and a maximum age 19 years. Meanwhile, the results of the knowledge of adolescent girls was 93.88% at pre test and 93.41% at post test with a reduction of 1 participant at post test. Therefore, it can be concluded that adolescent girls had very good knowledge about anemia and iron-folic acid supplement. This program required to be continued to maintain the health status of adolescent girls.

A cross-sectional study on dietary assessment, oral hygiene behavior, and oral health status of adolescent girls.

Adolescents are a population group that is vulnerable to nutritional problems other than toddlers, especially young women. Special attention to the dietary issues of adolescent girls needs to be obtained along with the increase in the adolescent population in Indonesia because this affects the growth and development of the body and will impact adult nutrition problems. The purpose of the study was to analyze the relationship between diet assessment and oral health status of adolescent girls, the relationship between oral hygiene behavior and oral health status of adolescent girls, and the simultaneous relationship between dietary assessment and oral hygiene behavior with the oral health status of adolescent girls. Analytical research using the survey method was conducted on 96 young women in two junior high schools in Bandung. Assessment of diet seen from eating behavior and anthropometric examination. Eating behavior using the Adolescent Food Habit Checklist Index questionnaire and anthropometric investigations were carried out by looking at body height, body weight, and Mid Upper Arm Circumference using the standards from the Indonesian Minister of Health Regulation 2020. Oral hygiene behavior using the Oral Hygiene Behavior Index questionnaire. Oral health status using the Dental Health Status Assessment. The results were statistically analyzed with Spearman’s Rank Correlation, and Multiple Linear Regression tests showed no significant relationship between dietary assessment and oral health status (eating behavior with a p-value = 0.429 and anthropometric examination with a p-value = 0.262). A significant association between oral hygiene behavior and oral health status, with a p-value of 0.003, while there is no simultaneous relationship between diet assessment and oral hygiene behavior with oral health status, with multiple r2 = 13.2%.

Reproductive health status of adolescent slum girls, residing in the urban slums of Cuttack City, Odisha

Objectives: Reproductive tract infection/sexually transmitted infection (RTI/STI) has become a silent epidemic that devastates women’s life. Improper maintenance of menstrual hygiene is one of the important causes of ascending infection of genital tract leading to RTI. The objectives of the study were to assess reproductive health status and menstrual hygiene practices of adolescent girls residing in the urban slums. Material and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study conducted among adolescent girls residing in urban slums situated under field training area of the Department of Community Medicine, S.C.B. Medical College, Cuttack, Odisha. From among 10 Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) under this field training area, four AWCs having relatively more slum population were selected for the study. A total of 277 adolescent girls were studied who had attended menarche. Pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect information regarding the reproductive health status of adolescent girls. Results: Among the 277 adolescent slum girls, 116 (41.9%) had no complaint related to menstruation and reproductive health. Most of the adolescent girls had dysmenorrhea followed by irregular cycles, menorrhagia, and scanty menstruation. As per syndromic approach, 15.2% of adolescent girls had symptoms of RTI/STI. Only 36.8% of girls were using sanitary napkins. Conclusion: More than half of adolescent slum girls had one or more menstrual problems, the common being dysmenorrhea. Symptom of RTI/STI was also a common problem encountered among these girls as almost one in seven girls were having these symptoms and this was more among the girls not using sanitary pad during menstruation.

Prevalence of Anemia in View of Socio-demographic and Health Status of Adolescent Girls Enrolled in Government School at Border-belt of Indian Punjab

ABSTRACT Poor socio-demographic and health status are considered key factors for prevalence of anemia in school-going adolescent girls in developing countries. A cross-sectional study was conducted (2019–2020) on 32 adolescent girls, randomly selected from 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th standards at Government School, Harike Pattan to assess magnitude of anemia and its associated factors. Hemoglobin level of adolescent girls was assessed using cyanmethaemoglobin method. Subsequently, adolescent girls were interviewed about their hygiene and health status through a pre-structured interview schedule. Collected data were analyzed by applying One-way ANOVA (analysis of variance) with Tukey’s post-hoc test and Chi-square test to investigate prevalence of anemia and its association (p < .05) with various independent variables, correspondingly. Research findings indicated a high (100%) overall prevalence of anemia among adolescent girls, with mild, moderate, and severe anemia in 28, 59, and 13% of total adolescent girls, respectively, reflect the burden of this nutritional turmoil at a great extent. Low mean hemoglobin level (9.9 g/dl) was significantly (p < .05) associated with low socio-economic status, schedule caste, long duration of menstruation, poor personal and food hygiene profile, and infections among adolescent girls. Awareness on factors enhancing iron bio-accessibility among adolescent girls is highly recommended.

A study of health status of adolescent girls and their health seeking behavior in a rural area of Kanpur

Adolescent’s problems constitute a bulk of morbidities which are generally unrecognized and uncared for, furthering the disease burden. Worldwide about more than 1.2 billion are adolescents. Adolescent population in India is 240 million (21.4%). The study will help to know about various health problems and unmet needs of the study population so that we can recommend necessary actions required for betterment of the existing health infrastructure and Programmes for adolescent girls.The present study was conducted in Shivrajpur block of district Kanpur Nagar (U.P.). Community-based cross-sectional study.Has been calculated using the formula 4pq/l where prevalence (P) of usage of sanitary napkins in adolescent girls was 25.1%. Two stage random sampling has been used.Those Adolescent girls who were unwilling/ not ready to interact and had not achieved their menarche were excluded from study.Show that most of the subjects 154 (44.0%) belong to 14-16 year age group and 121(34.6%) are in 17-19 year age group. Out of total 350 subject 332 (94.9%) were unmarried and 18 (5.1%) were married. Most of the study subjects 228(65.1%) belonged to Lower middle class (IV). 35.1% (30.6-40.3%) were underweight, 6.6% (4.0%-9.1%) were overweight and remaining 1.7% (.6-3.1%) were obese. 28.6% with 95% CI (24.0-33.1%) had mild pallor, 18.6% (14.6-22.9%) had moderate and remaining 9.7% (6.6-12.9%) had severe pallor.Most of the study subjects 250 (71.4%) did not have any RTI/STI symptoms, 20 (5.7%). Majority 339(96.9%) of the study subjects had no obstetric history, 3(.85%) had history of abortion, 2(.57%) still birth. About 127(36.3%) preferred allopathic treatment, 103 (29.4%) preferred home remedy and 120 (34.3%) did not take any treatment.: Prevalence of RTI/STI symptoms was 28.57%. 35.1% (30.6-40.3%) subjects were underweight and 56.85% were found anemic.

Psychosocial Health Status of Adolescent Girls in a Rural Area of Guntur District

Background: Adolescence is a distinct phase of complex developmental and psychological needs. UNICEF states that suicide is the second leading cause of death in this age group of young girls. A myriad of social, economic and health factors undermine the ability of the adolescents to lead full and productive lives. There is a need to study these factors as they are bound to health-related outcomes. Objective: To assess the psycho-social health of adolescent girls (15-19 years) living in a rural area using WHO HEEADSSS questionnaire and to compare their psychosocial risk profiles and demographic profiles to identify important risk factors. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted from April to August 2017 on a convenient sample of 180 adolescent girls of 15-19 years residing in the rural field practice area of NRI Medical College, Guntur. The WHO’s HEEADSSS (Home and Environment, Education and Employment, Activities, Drugs, Sexuality, Suicide &amp; Depression and Safety) questionnaire was used to assess the psychosocial risk profile of the subjects. The findings were subjected to multiple regression and chi-square test at 5% level of significance. Results and Discussion: Only 6.11% of the girls had scores within the normal range. 10% were at severe risk and 1.11% were in the very severe risk category. The following factors accounted for 75% of the psycho social risk: Age, Marital Status, Occupation, Positive History of Smoking or Alcohol intake in Family, Having Sleep Problems, Thoughts of inflicting self-hurt and Thoughts of inflicting physical hurt on others. Conclusion: HEEADSSS questionnaire is a useful tool to assess the psycho-social health of adolescent girls. Most girls didn’t have adequate knowledge regarding family panning methods or STDs. Qualitative methods would give further insight into these issues.

Status Kesehatan Remaja Perempuan yang Mengalami Perkawinan Anak

Background: Indonesia was one of ten countries with the highest child marriage rate, and second highest in ASEAN after Cambodia. According to data, South Sulawesi was province with the 4th position contributing to the marriage of children in Indonesia. In South Sulawesi, age of marriage less than 14 years is 0.5 percent, while age of marriage between 15 years to 19 years is 33.5 percent. Objective: This research aimed to know health status of adolescent girls who have conducted child marriage in Makassar City. Method: This research used descriptive research with quantitative approach. The variables in this research health status from child and mother. The population in this study were all girls aged 15-24 years that chosed by Snowball Sampling nonrandom method with sample size 101 girls. Results and Discussion: Health status in this study form mother and child. For mother, Body Mass Index (BMI) category owned by adolescent girls who experience child marriages, underweight 18 people (17.8%), ideal body weight 66 people (65.3%), and overweight 17 people (16.8%). For child, the status of the weight of the first child at birth, low birth weight (LBW) 8 people (9.9%), not experience LBW 73 people (90.1%). Conclusion: The description of the health status of adolescent girls shows some things that are not good for the health of adolescent girls that can be reviewed in terms of two things, namely the condition of the mother and the condition of the child. The most influential health conditions are the nutritional status of children, immunization of children, nutritional status of mothers, and some knowledge about reproductive health that is still low. Keywords: children; health; marriage; status

Некоторые аспекты состояния здоровья девушек-подростков в зависимости от типа образовательной программы и года обучения

Некоторые аспекты состояния здоровья девушек-подростков в зависимости от типа образовательной программы и года обучения

MORBIDITY PATTERN AMONG ADOLESCENT SCHOOL GIRLS IN RURAL AND URBAN SCHOOL OF JHANSI (U.P.)- A COMPARATIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY

Background: According to World Health Organization, adolescents constitute about one fifth of the world population, and in India they constitute about 21% of the total population. Most of the surveys show that health status of adolescent girls is at sub-optimal level.&#x0D; Objectives: To assess nutritional status and morbidity pattern among the adolescent girls and to suggest measures for improvement of health status of adolescent girls.&#x0D; Method: A community based cross-sectional study was carried out among 250 adolescent schoolgirls in Rural and urban field practice area of Jhansi school from January 2017 to July 2014.&#x0D; Results: Among the various morbidities eye problem was seen in maximum no of adolescent girls. Eye problem was present in 44.8% of adolescent girls followed by respiratory 14.7% and ear 13.06% disease. Skin disease was present in 3.2% of adolescent girls, which was more in rural girls 6.7% than in urban girls 1.7%, may be due to better hygienic practice in urban schoolgirls.&#x0D; Conclusions: Rural background, low socioeconomic status, illiteracy, birth rate and order, income and number of members in a family have shown to be significant determinants of morbidity pattern in the adolescent girls.&#x0D; Keywords: Adolescent, anemia, morbidity, vaginal discharge.

Comparative study on morbidity pattern among adolescent schoolgirls in rural and urban school of Jhansi

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) proposed that the age limit of 10–19 years be used to identify as the adolescent age. According to the WHO, adolescents constitute about one-fifth of the world population, and in India, they constitute about 21% of the total population. Most of the surveys show that health status of adolescent girls is at suboptimal level. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to assess nutritional status and morbidity pattern among the adolescent girls and to suggest measures for the improvement of health status of adolescent girls. Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 250 adolescent schoolgirls in rural and urban field practice area of Jhansi school from January 2017 to July 2014. Results: Among the various morbidities, eye problem was seen in maximum number of adolescent girls. Eye problem was present in 44.8% of adolescent girls followed by respiratory 14.7% and ear 13.06% disease. Skin disease was present in 3.2% of adolescent girls, which was more in rural girls 6.7% than in urban girls 1.7%, may be due to better hygienic practice in urban schoolgirls. Conclusion: Rural background, low socioeconomic status, illiteracy, birth rate and order, income, and number of members in a family have shown to be significant determinants of morbidity pattern in the adolescent girls.

A study on reproductive health of adolescent girls of Dongria Kondh tribe

Background: Health problem in adolescent girls are different from the younger children and older adults. In the tribal population they are more neglected because of limited health care facilities and lack of education. In the present study we have done assessment of reproductive health status of adolescent girls in the Dongria Kondh tribe in Odisha. Methods: Dongria Kondh’ residing in Rayagada district of Odisha having its maximum concentration was studied. Bissam Cuttack block was selected randomly as the study area. Moreover, coincidently majority of the study population resided in the block having villages like Kurli, Khambesi, Hundijali, Muthesi, Khajuri, Mundabali and Uppar Gandatallli which are situated as a distance of 5000 ft height above sea level. 89 adolescent girls were considered Schedule of general information of the family, schedule cum questionnaire on KAP on reproductive health and Lab investigation done among study subjects for prevalence of HIV/AIDS was done. Results: About 75% of adolescent girls had regular menstruation. Dysmenorhoea was present in 13% of girls. All girls are poor menstrual hygiene.84% of adolescent girls knew about menstruation from their friends. About 61% were not aware about physical changes in pregnancy. Conclusions: Counseling of adolescent girls and their mothers on sexual hygiene should be done by AWW/HWF. Health care delivery system to be strengthened by training and capacity building of AWW/HWF.

Health Status Evaluation of Adolescent Girls by Rohrer Index

Poor nutritional status during adolescence is an important determinant of health outcomes found more than half of the adolescents were thin but only 2% were overweight. One tenth of adolescent girls are part of Indian population. Under-nutrition among these girls is associated with reduced lean body mass, lack of muscular strength and decreased work capacity 47% adolescent girls are found stunted. This study is to evaluate health status of adolescent girls of 10-19 years who belongs Tosalboni block of Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal Different anthropometric data are collected by anthropometric tools height, weight and different circumferences. A total of 21.1% girls in high range 418 girls belong to healthy range 178 girls are from unhealthy range based on RI range. Rohrer index has significant relation with body mass index, 30% girls of post-menarcheal girls of Hoogly belongs to low health status 40.8% of girls are very low health status. To improve health status adolescent girls need adequate nutrition, need counseling for health hygiene.

Adolescent Girls in Tamil Nadu – An Overview

‘Adolescence’ implies the developmental transition from childhood to adulthood, a time period when many important social, economic, biological, and demographic events set the stage for adult life. The study provides an overall synopsis of the health status of adolescent girls in Tamil Nadu, highlights their vulnerabilities and obstacles in accessing opportunities and services. In this study, the authors ascertain information from the latest NFHS-4 (2016) with special focus on three areas namely, the Nutrition, the Sanitation &amp; Hygiene and the Sexual &amp; Reproductive health of adolescent girls. The study emphasizes to explore the innovative strategies for behavioural change by harnessing ICT avenues like Mobile App, in the changing social context of youngster’s lifestyle. Sensitive subjects like Nutrition, Menstruation, Sexual &amp; Reproductive health related facts can be effectively disseminated through Mobile app alerts or SMS – thus, ‘Smartphone’ as an instrument for behaviour change. Adolescent girls in the state face many hindrances and barriers in ensuring positive adolescence outcomes at individual, family, and community level. Hence, the study recommends for a dedicated state sponsored scheme for adolescent girls with proactive role of professional social workers.

Adolescent reproductive health challenges among schoolgirls in southeast Nigeria: role of knowledge of menstrual pattern and contraceptive adherence.

BackgroundReproductive health services in the form of adolescent health and contraceptive services are fundamental in the prevention of a high incidence of teenage pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to determine the age at menarche, menstrual pattern, and awareness of and use of modern contraception among secondary school girls in Abakaliki, Nigeria.Subjects and materialsThis was a cross-sectional study in which self-administered questionnaires were completed by 482 adolescent girls at two girls’ secondary schools between August and September 2012.ResultsThe mean age at menarche was 13.13±1.37 years. The mean menstrual cycle length was 27.8±3.14 days, and the mean duration of menstrual flow was 4.8±1.14 days. Thirty-seven (7.7%) respondents were ignorant of their cycle length, while 29 (6.0%) had irregular cycles. Premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea were major menstrual issues, which resulted in 69 (14.3%) and 59 (12.2%) of respondents resorting to self-medication and absenteeism from school, respectively. Mothers were the main source of their daughters’ adolescent education, while friends and mass media were the main source of contraceptive information. Though there was a high level (75.7%) of awareness of contraceptive information among the girls, usage (8.9%) was poor. Only eight (18.6%) of the 43 respondents who had ever used modern contraception were adherent to modern contraceptives. Students who were more than 15 years old, attained menarche at 13 years or less, and whose families were of low socioeconomic classes were more likely to be sexually active.ConclusionThe declining age at menarche, menstrual challenges, and poor reproductive health status of adolescent girls in this study have made menstrual issues and contraceptive adherence critical aspects of adolescent health care, especially when appropriate sources of reproductive health information were not fully harnessed. Therefore, there is an urgent need to establish adolescent-friendly clinics and include sexuality education in the curriculum of schools in this environment.

English

Adolescence is a time when the body prepares itself for the nutritional demands of pregnancy, lactation and heavy workloads that girls will soon experience. Good nutrition is essential for good health, physical growth and development, body composition and mental development In recent years, the incidence of adolescent pregnancy and childbirth is increasing due to the early onset of puberty, the declining age of menarche and early sexual activity. They need to earn to cope with the future demands of life. Nutritional needs during adolescence are increased because of the increased growth rate and changes in the body composition associated with puberty. The dramatic increase in energy and nutrient requirements coincides with other factors that may affect adolescents’ food choices and nutrient intake and thus nutritional status. National and population based surveys have found that adolescents often fail to meet dietary recommendations for over all nutritional status and for specific nutrient intakes. Nutritional requirements in relation to body size are more during adolescence. In a country like India with varying social customs and common beliefs against females there is a high prevalence of malnutrition amongst girls. Adolescents are tomorrow’s adult population and their health and well-being are crucial. Yet, interest in adolescents’ health is relatively recent and a focus on nutrition is even more recent. Nutrition influences growth and development throughout infancy, childhood and adolescence; it is, however, during the period of adolescence that nutrient needs are the greatest. A questionnaire-based study was undertaken in Jaipur city of Rajasthan with 500 respondents divided equally between government schools and private schools populations. Adolescent girl is subjected to more physical and mental challenges on a day –to-day basis due to ever increasing pressure of modernization. Hence they have to work hard physically as well as mentally. Thus we found it important to study the nutritional and health status of adolescent girls.

Impact of Spirulina as a Nutritional Supplement on the Dietary Intake and Health Status of Adolescent Girls of Shimla

In developing countries, malnutrition is the cause of many harmful consequences for young children like increased risk of mortality, weakened immune system, delayed motor development, diminished cognitive capacity and poor performance in school. The discovery of spirulina marked an important breakthrough in tackling the problem of malnutrition. The present study deals with 200 adolescent girls in the age group of 13–15 years from two Govt. Schools of Shimla belonging to low income group. The subjects were equally divided into Experimental (E) and Control groups (C). The respondents of group E were supplemented with 2 capsules (1gm.) of spirulina after mixing with one serving (40gm.) of wheat besan ladoo daily for six days a week for a period of two months while the group C was given a placebo for the same period. The dietary survey was conducted for three consecutive days by 24 hour recall method before and after supplementation. The results of the study showed that the mean daily intake of cereals, pulses, green leafy vegetables, sugar and jaggery was inadequate in both the groups. The intake of roots and tubers, visible fat exceeded the recommended allowances. Paleness of skin and conjunctiva, dental caries, fatigue were most prevalent among the clinical signs. The prevalence of common ailments was more marked in group C when compared with group E after introducing spirulina in the ladoos. Thus, better nutritional status and health could be attributed to spirulina supplementation. The adolescent girls were encouraged to eat a balanced diet.

Treatment seeking behaviour of rural adolescent girls-a community based cross-sectional study

Background and Objectives: The transition from childhood to adulthood occurs during adolescence period which is characterized by major biological changes like physical growth, sexual maturation and psycho-social development. During this phase of growth the girls first experience menstruation and related problems which is marked by feelings of anxiety and eagerness to know about this natural phenomenon. Present study was undertaken to determine health status of adolescent girls by studying morbidity patterns amongst them and to know treatment seeking behaviour of adolescent girls. Methods: This one year community based cross-sectional study was done at village Peeranwadi, PHC Kinaye, Belgaum. Four Hundred (400) adolescent girls were selected randomly from each block. Study was approved by Institutional Ethics Committee, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Belgaum. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants. Information on socio-demographic variables, history regarding illness one month prior and treatment seeking behavior were recorded. Haemoglobin estimation was done by cyanmethaemoglobin method. Results: Majority (82.25%) had age between 10 to 14 years and mean age of study population was 12.9±2.06 years and 98.5% were literates. Of 400 adolescent girls, 51% had attained menarche. The mean height, weight and BMI was less among 10 to 14 years compared to 15 to 19 years (p=0.000). In this study 15 (3.75%) were married and of them 60% were pregnant and all had registered for antenatal care. Most common morbidity reported in last one month was GI infections (14.75%), fever (12.75%) and dysmenorrhoea (12%). Prevalence of anaemia was 75% and 49.75% had mild, 20.75% had moderate and 4.5% had severe anaemia. 61.25% had taken treatment of which 74.69% visited health facility for treatment, 19.21% took home remedy and 6.12% did not take any treatment. The place of treatment was decided by themselves in 20.81% whereas 78.78% family members were decision makers. Conclusion and interpretation: In this study almost 75% of the girls were anaemic. Their status of anaemia is likely to worsen during pregnancy leading to complications including post partum haemorrhage. Although their literacy status and health seeking behaviour was on the better side, it needs to be still improved.