Iron Supplementation Programs Research Articles

Barriers, Facilitators of Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation, and Deworming Program among School-Going Adolescents of Deoghar, Jharkhand, India: A Mixed-Methods Study.

This study aimed to identify barriers and facilitators of iron and folic acid supplementation and deworming programs among school-going adolescents. A mixed-method observational study was conducted among adolescents in the 8th to 10th standards and their teachers across four schools in Deoghar, Jharkhand, India, using simple random sampling. The study included a questionnaire on socio-demographics, knowledge (34 items) (α=0.894), attitudes (2 items) (α=0.711) toward iron deficiency anemia, awareness of the Weekly Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation (WIFS) program and deworming (20 items) (α=0.783), and practices related to iron folic acid supplementation (IFS) and deworming, along with qualitative components. Data were analyzed using jamovi. Compliance rates for IFS and deworming were 27.5% and 67.9%, respectively. The multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that sex, religion, caste, father's educational status, per capita monthly family income (PCMI), diet type, adequate knowledge, and positive attitude toward anemia influenced IFS compliance. Religion, PCMI, and prior information on the importance of deworming facilitate compliance. Implementation barriers included irregular medication supply and a lack of student awareness. Periodic evaluation, regular sensitization, and a consistent drug supply are necessary to effectively implement WIFS and deworming programs in the study area.

Mandatory fortification of rice in the public distribution system in India: An ethics perspective.

In response to the continuing high prevalence of anaemia recorded in the National Family Health Survey-5, the Indian government launched a policy for mandatory iron fortification of the rice provided through public nutrition programmes in India. This was done even though a rigorous evidence analysis had already concluded that rice fortification was not effective in preventing anaemia or iron deficiency at the population level. Fortification also poses a potential risk of iron toxicity over time, but there is no stated time period for the policy's implementation. The risk is particularly high in segments of the population who already have a high habitual iron intake, and who could be exposed to simultaneous fortification in different staples and food commodities along with the ongoing weekly Iron and Folic Acid tablets supplementation programme. Finally, this fortification policy also requires significant additional funding and resources to implement. It is crucial to examine such mandatory health actions, and to weigh the benefits and risks of harm, using the principles of public health ethics.

Effect of Red Spinach Juice + Fe Tablets on Increased Hemoglobin Levels in Pregnant Women

Anemia during pregnancy is one of the most common abnormalities in pregnant women in Indonesia. The prevalence of anemia in pregnant women in Indonesia is 48.9%. The iron supplementation program is an effort that has been made by the Indonesian government to prevent anemia. To determine the effect of giving red spinach juice on increasing hemoglobin levels in third-trimester pregnant women. This type of research uses quantitative methods with quasi-experimental research with the two-group approach. The experimental group consumed red spinach juice + Fe tablets and the control group only drank Fe tablets. The results showed that there was an effect of giving red spinach juice + Fe tablets to increasing hemoglobin levels and there was a difference in increasing hemoglobin levels in the group given red spinach juice + Fe tablets and Fe tablets only. There is a relationship between parity and an increase in hemoglobin levels, but there is no relationship between age and education and an increase in hemoglobin levels. Intervention and parity variables were the most influential variables in increasing the hemoglobin level of pregnant women in PMB Bengkulu City. Results: There is an effect of giving red spinach juice + Fe tablets to the increase in hemoglobin levels of pregnant women.

Safe and effective delivery of supplemental iron to healthy adults: a two-phase, randomized, double-blind trial - the safe iron study.

The safety of novel forms of iron in healthy, iron-replete adults as might occur if used in population-based iron supplementation programs was examined. We tested the hypotheses that supplementation with nanoparticulate iron hydroxide adipate tartrate (IHAT), an iron-enriched Aspergillus oryzae product (ASP), or ferrous sulphate heptahydrate (FS) are safe as indicated by erythrocyte susceptibility to malarial infection, bacterial proliferation, and gut inflammation. Responses to FS administered daily or weekly, and with or without other micronutrients were compared. Two phases of randomized, double-blinded trials were conducted in Boston, MA. Phase I randomized 160 volunteers to six treatments: placebo, IHAT, ASP, FS, and FS plus a micronutrient powder (MNP) administrated daily at 60 mg Fe/day; and FS administered as a single weekly dose of 420 mg Fe. Phase II randomized 86 volunteers to IHAT, ASP, or FS administered at 120 mg Fe/day. Completing these phases were 151 and 77 participants, respectively. The study was powered to detect effects on primary endpoints: susceptibility of participant erythrocytes to infection by Plasmodium falciparum, the proliferation potential of selected pathogenic bacteria in sera, and markers of gut inflammation. Secondary endpoints for which the study was not powered included indicators of iron status and gastrointestinal symptoms. Supplementation with any form of iron did not affect any primary endpoint. In Phase I, the frequency of gastrointestinal symptoms associated with FS was unaffected by dosing with MNP or weekly administration; but participants taking IHAT more frequently reported abdominal pain (27%, p < 0.008) and nausea (4%, p = 0.009) than those taking FS, while those taking ASP more frequently reported nausea (8%, p = 0.009). Surprisingly, only 9% of participants taking IHAT at 120 mg Fe/day (Phase II) reported abdominal pain and no other group reported that symptom. With respect to the primary endpoints, few differences were found when comparing these forms of iron, indicating that 28 days of 60 or 120 mg/day of IHAT, ASP, or FS may be safe for healthy, iron-replete adults. With respect to other endpoints, subjects receiving IHAT more frequently reported abdominal pain and nausea, suggesting the need for further study. ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03212677; registered: 11 July 2017.

Study on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on stunting program implementation (sensitive and specific programs) in Sleman Regency

The COVID-19 pandemic is a new challenge for the implementation of stunting intervention in Indonesia. Therefore, monitoring the stunting program implementation during a pandemic is crucial to achieving the target of stunting reduction. This research aims to examine the pandemic’s impacts on the implementation of specific and sensitive programs, especially posyandu, iron supplementation, PMT, and Sustainable Food Program(SFG). Method, qualitative research uses a Case-Study with 17 informants selected by purposive sampling, including the stakeholders and program’s target in the working area of Tempel 2 Health Center. Data in the form of interview transcripts and other documents were collected using in-depth interviews and documentation studies in November-December 2021 and were analyzed in 3 stages: reduction, presentation, and conclusion. Result, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected specific nutrition interventions, especially in the planning, implementation, and scope of activities. It relates to social difficulties and concerns over the spread of COVID-19. In the implementation of SFG program, the pandemic does not have a significant impact. It can be interpreted that COVID-19 pandemic affects several aspect of the stunting program’s implementation. This study suggests the stakelhoders and communities to optimize the implementation of stunting intervention so it can run sustainably to reduce stunting prevalences.

Evaluation of iron prophylaxis in children aged 4-24 months

Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the current status of the national iron supplementation program and the utilization of iron prophylaxis in the society, taking into account factors such as education, socioeconomic status, and the recommendations provided by healthcare professionals. Materials and Methods: A total of 540 patients Children aged 4-24 months admitted to the Pediatrics Outpatient Clinic were evaluated and a total of 540 patients were surveyed. The children were asked whether they used or not regular iron prophylaxis between 4 and 12 months. The data were analyzed using the SPSS 22 software package program Results: In our study, it was found that 50.8% of children did not use iron prophylaxis or used it irregularly. The most common side effects reported were constipation, diarrhea, and vomiting. Significantly higher rates of supplement use were observed among children with parents who had higher education and income levels. (Mother's education; p=0.026, father's education; p&amp;lt;0.001, income level; p=0.015) Conclusion: The fact that more than half of the participants in the study did not use iron supplementation or used it irregularly highlights the inadequate access to adequate iron prophylaxis for children. Healthcare professionals should allocate time to families and provide information about iron supplementation.

Justification of Universal Iron Supplementation for Infants 6-12 months in Regions with a High Prevalence of Thalassemia.

Many clinicians hesitate to adopt a universal infant iron supplementation program due to the risk of increased iron absorption for those with thalassemia. We aimed to determine thalassemia prevalence in 6- to 12-month-old infants, along with the iron status of those with and without thalassemia. We performed a cross-sectional descriptive study of infants attending the Well Baby Clinic at Thammasat University Hospital for routine checkups. Complete blood count, hemoglobin electrophoresis, iron parameters, and molecular genetics for common α- and β-thalassemia were evaluated. Overall, 97 of 206 (47%) participants had thalassemia minor, the majority having Hb E traits. None had thalassemia intermedia or major. Familial history of anemia or thalassemia presented an increased risk of detecting thalassemia minor in offspring (OR 5.18; 95% CI 2.60-10.33, p=0.001). There were no statistical differences in transferrin saturation, serum ferritin and hepcidin between iron-replete infants with thalassemia minor and those without. However, one-third of infants with thalassemia minor (31/97) also had iron deficiency anemia (IDA), with a similar risk of having iron deficiency to infants without thalassemia. There was no hepcidin suppression in our infants with thalassemia minor as compared to controls. Both thalassemia and IDA are endemic to Southeast Asia. Infants with thalassemia minor, particularly with Hb E and α-thalassemia traits, are at risk of IDA. Our short-term universal iron supplementation program for 6- to 12-month-old infants does not appear to increase the risk of those with thalassemia minor developing iron overload in the future.

Universal iron supplementation: the best strategy to tackle childhood anaemia in malaria-endemic countries?

Iron deficiency presents a major public health concern in many malaria-endemic regions, and both conditions affect young children most severely. Daily iron supplementation is the standard public health intervention recommended to alleviate rates of iron deficiency in children, but there is controversy over whether universal supplementation could increase the incidence and severity of malaria infection. Current evidence suggests that iron supplementation of deficient individuals is safe and effective in high-transmission settings when accompanied by malaria prevention strategies. However, low-resource settings often struggle to effectively control the spread of malaria, and it remains unclear whether supplementation of iron replete individuals could increase their risk of malaria and other infections. This review explores the evidence for and against universal iron supplementation programmes, and alternative strategies that could be used to alleviate iron deficiency in malaria-endemic areas, while minimising potential harm.

P17-020-23 Coverage, Adherence Level and Lessons From Weekly Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation Program for Adolescent Girls in Ethiopia: Results From an Implementation Research

P17-020-23 Coverage, Adherence Level and Lessons From Weekly Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation Program for Adolescent Girls in Ethiopia: Results From an Implementation Research

Thalassemia carrier status and groundwater iron: Implication for iron supplementation program for children in Bangladesh.

Thalassemia, a congenital disorder of hemoglobin synthesis is characterized by low hemoglobin and high iron status, is prevalent in Bangladesh. Iron, consumed through drinking groundwater also increases the population iron status in Bangladesh. The study examined the effect of iron containing micronutrient powder (MNP) on the hemoglobin and ferritin status in Bangladeshi children with thalassemia and their non-thalassemia peers exposed to a high concentration of iron from drinking groundwater. Three hundred twenty-seven children aged 2-5 years were recruited for an MNP efficacy trial. A sub sample (n = 222) were screened for thalassemia. Hemoglobin and ferritin levels were measured in children with and without thalassemia. Intake of iron from the key sources-diet, groundwater and MNP was measured. Mann Whitney and t-test were employed to compare the groups. Hemoglobin concentration of the children with thalassemia at the endpoint remained unchanged relative to the baseline; 11.56 ± 0.59 g/dL (Endpoint) versus 11.6 ± 0.54 g/dL (Baseline), p = 0.83. In children without thalassemia hemoglobin tended to increase; 12.54 ± 0.72 g/dL (Endpoint) versus 12.41 ± 0.72 g/dL (baseline), p = 0.06. Baseline reserve of body iron was significantly (p = 0.03) higher in thalassemia carriers (594 gm) compared to their non-carrier peers (558 gm). The increase of the infection-adjusted ferritin from baseline to the endpoint was 7.37% (p = 0.7) and 10.17% (p = 0.009) in the carrier and non-carrier groups respectively. In Bangladesh, the coexistence of thalassemia and the exposure to a high concentration of iron from drinking groundwater renders anemia prevention program with a low iron MNP potentially lesser hazardous to the thalassemia carriers.

Evaluation of the barriers and facilitators of iron supplementation program among adolescent females

Iron deficiency anemia is a major health problem in female adolescents; so, the iron supplementation program has been implemented in Iranian female high school students for nearly two decades. This study aimed to assess the barriers and facilitators of the program. This cross-sectional study was conducted by cluster random sampling with a sample size of 399 high school girls from the northern, southern, eastern, western and central regions of Iran. To collect data, we applied valid and reliable researcher-made questionnaires. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 22 software using the chi-squared test. From the students' point of view, the most important reasons for not taking iron supplements were the bad taste of iron supplements, nausea after consumption, and not prescription of the iron supplement by physicians. Most the students believed that inviting health care professionals and movies or clips had the greatest impact on encouraging students to take supplements. About 45% of students reported that educational programs were not held for them, and only 28% of students received educational content/educational media about iron supplement. Also, 71% of students reported that there are not enough glasses for the consumption of supplement iron. There were significant relationships between iron supplements distributors (deputy assistant: 22.6% vs. 14.1%, P=0.045), allocated enough time to intake iron supplements (72.0% vs. 37.1%, P<0.001), implemented the educational program in schools (61.8% vs. 33%, P<0.001), and the educator person of the program (health teachers: 42.7% vs. 35.7%, P=0.039) with consumption of iron supplement by the students. To achieve the goals of the program, it is necessary paying attention to various aspects of the program such as providing better quality iron supplements, providing more appropriate environmental conditions, designing more attractive training programs, strengthening general announcement, and employing more experienced executive staff.

Effect of knowledge and counseling on adherence to iron supplementation in pregnant women: A systematic literature review

Adherence is a determining factor for the success of iron supplementation programs in pregnant women. There are several factors that influence adherence, the most significant of which are knowledge of pregnant women and counseling by health workers. This systematic review of the literature aims to identify the effect of knowledge and counseling on pregnant women's adherence to taking iron supplementation. Literature searches were conducted through four main electronic databases, namely PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science. Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were eligible for review. The PRISMA approach is used in critically evaluating articles. Literature quality assessment was carried out using the quality assessment tool for quantitative studies from the EPHPP (Effective Public Health Practice Project). Findings are collected and summarized systematically. The results are categorized into two major themes. Consistent with previous research, this review explains that knowledge and counseling have a significant effect on adherence. Good knowledge increases adherence by two to five times, and counseling by health professionals increases adherence by two to four times.

Adherence to iron and folate supplementation and associated factors among women attending antenatal care in public health facilities at Covid-19 pandemic in Ethiopia.

Adhesion is the degree to which a patient complies with treatment recommendations made by a health care professional. The majority of pregnant women worldwide don't get the recommended amounts of iron and folic acid (30 to 60 mg of iron and 400 g of folic acid/day for 6 months) pregnant women are more likely to develop iron- and folic acid deficiency anemia. For iron and folate supplementation programs to be effective in Ethiopia, adherence is a significant issue. So, this study aimed to evaluate the level and barriers preventing women receiving antenatal care from taking iron and folate supplements. A phenomenological qualitative study design was added to a facility-based cross-sectional study. The sample was established using a double population proportion formula. For the quantitative and qualitative study, 308 pregnant women and the focal points for the health facilities were chosen at random, using systematic random sampling and purposive sampling techniques. For the quantitative study, a face-to-face interviewer-guided, pre-tested structured questionnaire was used; for the qualitative study, a semi-structured questionnaire was used. Data was entered twice, cross-checked by comparing the two separate entries in Epi Data version 7.2.2.6, and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. COR and AOR with 95% CI are used to evaluate the relationship between variables and control for confounding factors. Statistical significance was declared at a p-value < 0.05. All, 308 (100%) participants were involved. 56.5% of pregnant women attending an ANC clinic (95% CI: 51%-62.2%) adhered to Iron and folate supplementation. Mothers with primary education], Urban residents mothers, Mother who had four or more ANC visits, mothers who had registered for their first ANC at early gestational age, mothers who had good awareness about birth defects were independent predictors of adherence to Iron and folate supplementation. In our study, adherence to iron and folate supplementation was low relative to previous research findings. Promoting early and frequent ANC visits and improving pregnant women's awareness of anemia and birth defects through education is necessary to increase the adherence status.

The role of social support and interpersonal trust to improve compliance of iron supplementation amongst adolescent girls: A qualitative approach.

Adolescence is a crucial phase in preventing and controlling anaemia. One of the efforts made by the Indonesian government to overcome adolescent girl's anaemia is the iron and folic acid (IFA) supplementation programme. This programme is one of the most effective interventions that various countries have used to overcome anaemia. The key to the success of the supplementation of IFA is the compliance of adolescent girls. This study investigates the compliance and its contributing factors of IFA supplementation and the role of social support and interpersonal trust as a source of information and reminder amongst adolescent girls in Sidoarjo, Indonesia. This research was a qualitative study using the in-depth interview to collect data. Thirteen adolescent girls from three high schools in Sidoarjo, Indonesia, were recruited using a snowball sampling technique. Most of the girls did not comply with IFA supplementation. Contributing factors were the influence of peers, influence of teachers, parental influence, risk and benefit of taking IFA tablet and also failure to remember to take IFA tablet. The social environment that provided information and reminder came from teacher, parent, peer and also health worker. Interpersonal trust was needed to have positive perceived social support. Compliance with the consumption of IFA supplements requires the cooperation of various parties (teachers, parents, peers and health workers) and also interpersonal trust between adolescent girls to their social environment so the programme could be run optimally.

Characterization of micronutrient supplements use by Brazilian children 6-59 months of age: Brazilian National Survey on Child Nutrition (ENANI-2019).

This study aimed to characterize micronutrient supplements use among Brazilian children 6-59 months of age included in the Brazilian National Survey on Child Nutrition (ENANI-2019; n = 12,598). Micronutrient supplements use at the time of the interview and the 6 months prior to it was evaluated using a structured questionnaire. The following indicators were included: micronutrient supplement use; supplements containing a single micronutrient; supplements of the Brazilian National Iron Supplementation Program (PNSF); multivitamin supplements with or without minerals; multivitamin supplements with minerals; multivitamin supplements without minerals. The estimates and their respective 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated for Brazil and according to macroregion, educational level of the mother or caregiver, and type of health care service used, considering the sampling plan, weights, and calibration. In Brazil, the prevalence of micronutrient supplements use was 54.2% (95%CI: 50.5; 57.8), with the highest prevalence in the North Region (80.2%; 95%CI: 74.9; 85.6) and among children 6-23 months of age (69.5%; 95%CI: 65.7; 73.3). The prevalence of the use of supplements containing exclusively iron and exclusively vitamin A in Brazil was 14.6% (95%CI: 13.1; 16.1) and 23.3% (95%CI: 19.4; 27.1), respectively. The prevalence of the use of multivitamin with or without minerals in Brazilian children 6-59 months of age was 24.3% (95%CI: 21.4; 27.2). These results may help to understand the practice of supplements use among Brazilian children and support the proposal of national public policies for the prevention and control of micronutrient deficiencies.

Uso de suplemento de ferro para prevenção da anemia em crianças de seis a 59 meses atendidas pela Estratégia Saúde da Família de um município de Minas Gerais, Brasil

Abstract Objectives: to evaluate the use of iron supplementation and associated factors in children aged six to 59 months attended at the Family Health Strategy units in a city in Minas Gerais (MG). Methods: a cross-sectional, analytical-exploratory study, carried out with 252 children aged six to 59 months, attended at ten units, between 2014 and 2016. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socioeconomic conditions, maternal health, child’s health and the knowledge of those responsible regarding anemia and iron supplementation, in addition to analysis of the child’s medical records /booklet to collect test results. Descriptive statistics, bivariate association analysis and logistic regression for multivariate analysis were performed. Results: only 22.6% of the children aged between six and 24 months were receiving iron supplement at the time of the interview. Considering children aged six to 59 months, 13.1% were supplemented and breastfeeding time (p=0.006) and the participation in childcare (p=0.042), were positively associated with the use of supplementation. Conclusion: most children aged six to 24 months were not receiving supplementation as recommended by the Ministry of Health, demonstrating the need to implement prevention programs, such as the National Iron Supplementation Program and training of professionals on the importance of health education in preventing childhood anemia.

Is iron status associated with markers of non-communicable disease in adolescent Indian children?

High body iron status has been associated with non-communicable diseases (NCD) like diabetes (high fasting blood glucose, FBG), hypertension (HTN) or dyslipidaemia (high total cholesterol, TC) in adults, but this has not been examined in adolescent children. This is relevant to iron supplementation and food iron fortification programs that are directed at Indian children. The association of NCD with Serum Ferritin (SF) was examined using logistic additive models, adjusted for confounders such as age, body mass index, C-Reactive Protein, haemoglobin and sex, in adolescent (10-19 years old) participants of the Indian Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey. The interaction of these associations with wealth and co-existing prediabetes was also examined. A scenario analysis was also done to understand the impact of iron fortification of cereals on the prevalence NCD among adolescents. The odds ratio (OR) of high FBG, HTN and TC were 1.05 (95% CI: 1.01-1.08), 1.02 (95% CI: 1.001-1.03) and 1.04 (95% CI: 1.01-1.06) respectively for every 10 µg/L increase in SF. The odds for high TC increased with co-existing prediabetes. The scenario analysis showed that providing 10 mg of iron/day by fortification could increase the prevalence of high FBG by 2-14% across states of India. Similar increments in HTN and TC can also be expected. High SF is significantly associated with NCD in adolescents, dependent on wealth and co-existing prediabetes. This should be considered when enhancing iron intake in anaemia prevention programs, and the NCD relationship with body iron stores should be studied.

Can guava (Psidium guajava) leaf extracts develop an indigenous, simplified tool for a semi-quantitative assessment of iron in groundwater?

Iron present in the drinking groundwater is attributed to the low burden of iron deficiency (ID) in Bangladesh. The supplemental anemia prevention strategies involving iron need a cautious approach due to the excess load of iron and the side effects. The present pilot study examined the potential of the guava leaf extracts to use as a natural reagent for the assessment of iron in groundwater. Eighteen households with the drinking source of groundwater were randomly selected. Guava leaves were crushed and the shreds of the leaves were mixed with the water sample. Changes of water color were photographed. Five groups were identified - 'whitish', 'shades of pink', 'shades of purple', 'light black' and the 'frank black'. The iron concentration was measured by a test kit device. Each color group was assigned a number on the ordinal scale 1-5. Statistical correlation and agreements were performed between the methods. The positive correlation (Kendall's tau b: 0.89, p < 0.000) and the agreements (Kappa: 0.77, p < 0.000; rho_c: 0.73, p < 0.000) were observed. Guava leaf extracts may standardize an indigenous tool for a semi-quantitative measurement of groundwater iron content. Validation of the tool thus may aid in the design and evaluation of the iron supplementation and fortification programs.

Anemia and Micronutrient Deficiencies in the First Trimester of Pregnancy Among Women in Eastern Maharashtra, India

ObjectivesMaternal anemia during pregnancy increases the risk of a myriad of negative birth outcomes, including maternal mortality, neonatal mortality, and low birth weight. In Eastern Maharashtra, India, the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women has been reported to be > 80%. While the most common cause of anemia is iron deficiency, its relative contribution is often unknown, as are rates of other key micronutrient deficiencies including B12 and folic acid. The primary objectives of this study are 1) to determine the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies (iron, folic acid, and B12) and 2) to quantify the contribution of these micronutrient deficiencies to anemia among pregnant women in Nagpur (Eastern Maharashtra, India).MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study of 200 women from four clusters in Nagpur. In the first trimester of pregnancy, trained nurses collected venous blood samples and we used Hemocue on blood samples collected with a finger prick. Anemia was defined as hemoglobin < 110 g/L, iron deficiency as serum ferritin < 15 µg/mL (adjusted for inflammation), folic acid deficiency as serum folic acid < 3 ng/mL, and B12 deficiency as < 203 pg/mL.ResultsAmong women in our sample, 37.5% were anemic, 40.0% were iron deficient, 30.0% were vitamin B12 deficient, and none were folic acid deficient. Hemocue assessment of capillary blood yielded a prevalence of anemia of 50.0%. Approximately half (53.0%) of women diagnosed with anemia via Hemocue were iron deficient and 31.0% were vitamin B12 deficient. We did not find any folate deficiency in this population.ConclusionsWe found the prevalence of anemia in Eastern Maharashtra to be lower compared to previous studies collecting capillary blood, though still unacceptably high. Furthermore, as only half of anemia cases were associated with iron deficiency, iron and folic acid (IFA) supplementation programs may only partially ameliorate the high prevalence of anemia.Funding SourcesThis study was funded by the Thrasher Research Fund grant.

Prevalence of Anaemia among Adolescent Girls on Weekly Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation (WIFS) and Non WIFS Group in Rural Schools of Mangalore, Karnataka; a Comparative Study

Background: Weekly Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation (WIFS) Programme is an initiative to decrease the burden of anaemia among adolescents studying in Government schools.&#x0D; Objective: To assess the difference in prevalence of anaemia among Government school-going adolescents girls on WIFS as compared to private school girls not on WIFS.&#x0D; Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted among adolescent girls, 7th to 10th standard in Government schools (on WIFS) and private schools (not on WIFS). The sample size in each group was 104, selected by multi-stage sampling. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaire, clinical examination and haemoglobin estimation. Chi-square test and Unpaired t test used to compare the categorical and continuous variables respectively.&#x0D; Results: The prevalence of anaemia among the school children in government schools was 51% and in the private schools it was 64.4%. The mean haemoglobin was 11.77 ± 1.41 and 11.34 ± 1.49 in government and private school girls, respectively, which was statistically significant (p=0.013).&#x0D; Conclusions: The prevalence of anaemia among the government school girls was lesser as compared to the private schools girls, suggesting the role of WIFS in the reduction of prevalence of anemia. WIFS programme may be extended to private schools as well.