A study to assess the knowledge and dietary practice regarding prevention ofanemia among adolescent girls in a selected school (GGHS kharman)

Abstract

Anemia among adolescent girls remains one of the most significant nutritional and public health concerns in India, particularly in rural and semi-urban regions where dietary inadequacies, poor health literacy, and socioeconomic vulnerabilities coexist. Adolescence is a critical developmental stage marked by rapid physical growth, increased blood volume expansion, and the onset of menarche, all of which substantially elevate iron requirements. Inadequate intake of bioavailable iron, coupled with poor dietary habits and limited awareness regarding preventive practices, increases the susceptibility of adolescent girls to iron deficiency Anemia. The present study was conducted to assess the knowledge and dietary practices regarding the prevention of Anemia among adolescent girls studying at Government Girls High School (GGHS), Kharman, Jhajjar district, Haryana. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was adopted for the study. The sample consisted of 100 adolescent girls aged 13–17 years selected through probability simple random sampling. Data were collected using a structured tool comprising three sections: socio-demographic profile, knowledge questionnaire, and self-reported dietary practice checklist. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. The findings revealed that a majority of participants demonstrated inadequate knowledge regarding Anemia prevention. Approximately 56% of the adolescent girls scored within the inadequate knowledge category, while only 12% achieved comprehensive knowledge scores. The mean knowledge score was 14.2 ± 4.6. Although most participants recognized pallor and weakness as common symptoms of Anemia, very few were aware of practical preventive concepts such as the role of iron absorption inhibitors, the importance of Vitamin C in enhancing iron absorption, and the correct dosage schedule of Weekly Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation (WIFS). Assessment of dietary practices indicated that 64% of participants followed poor dietary routines. Most girls reported frequent consumption of tea near mealtimes, which inhibits non-heme iron absorption, while intake of green leafy vegetables, pulses, fruits, and iron-rich foods remained inadequate. Only a minority regularly consumed citrus fruits alongside meals to improve iron absorption. Inferential statistical analysis demonstrated a significant association between knowledge scores and sociodemographic variables such as maternal education and paternal education. Similarly, dietary practices showed significant association with family income and maternal occupation. A moderate positive correlation (r = 0.48, p < 0.01) was identified between knowledge and dietary practices, indicating that improved awareness is associated with healthier nutritional behaviours. The study concludes that adolescent girls in the selected school possess insufficient practical knowledge and suboptimal dietary practices regarding Anemia prevention. These findings emphasize the urgent need for structured school-based nutritional education, strengthened iron supplementation programs, regular health screening, and community-cantered interventions to improve adolescent nutritional health and reduce the burden of Anemia in vulnerable populations