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

Authors

  • Shahul Hameed Department of Community Medicine, Kanachur Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangaluru, Karnataka
  • Gousiya Mubashireen Muskan Kanachur Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangaluru, Karnataka
  • Chethana K Department of Community Medicine, Kanachur Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangaluru, Karnataka
  • Kiran KG Department of Community Medicine, Kanachur Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangaluru, Karnataka

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55489/njcm1322022159

Keywords:

Adolescent, Anaemia, Weekly iron and folic acid supplementation, School

Abstract

Background: Weekly Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation (WIFS) Programme is an initiative to decrease the burden of anaemia among adolescents studying in Government schools.

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.

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.

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).

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.

References

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Published

2022-02-28

How to Cite

1.
Hameed S, Muskan GM, K C, KG K. 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. Natl J Community Med [Internet]. 2022 Feb. 28 [cited 2024 Mar. 29];13(02):104-7. Available from: https://www.njcmindia.com/index.php/file/article/view/159

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