Understanding the Determinants of Anemia amongst Indian Adolescents

Abstract

Anemia is the most common nutritional disorder amongst Indian adolescents in India with 28% being afflicted. Despite the efforts, there has not been a significant reduction in the prevalence of anemia. The etiology of anemia is multifactorial and complex. Hence, there is a challenge to address the determinants of anemia in a population. In the present communication, the determinants of anemia such as nutritional factors, infectious diseases, genetic factors and other underlying factors has been reviewed. The pathophysiology, possible mechanisms and contribution of these factors in the etiology of anemia has been discussed. There is a need for analyzing the determinants of anemia amongst Indian adolescents for effective prevention and control of Anemia. Key words: Anemia, Iron deficiency, Hemoglobin, India, Adolescent.

Attention for and awareness of anemia in adolescents in Karnataka, India: A qualitative study

“…In the study area, visits by trained health professionals and local level teams, with referrals to adolescent-specific clinics, were already in place, yet these visits were few and far between. Studies in India have called for better visibility of national programs, improved coordination between government bodies [ 15 ] and implementation of a continuous adolescent-oriented service at community level [ 18 ]. Increasing school-based anemia education and detection so that adolescents are referred to health services would increase awareness of the condition–as opposed to waiting until pregnancy when most detection occurs.…”

“…More than half of women of reproductive age are anemic, according to the 2019 National Family Health Survey 5 [ 13 ] which shows that rates of anemia in adolescents aged 15–19 years have increased to 60.2%, compared to the 54.1% reported in the NHFS 4 data in 2016 [ 14 ]. Research in India shows that socioeconomic disadvantage leaves people at risk of IDA [ 11 , 15 ] due to lack of access to a diverse diet [ 16 ], poor environmental sanitation and unsafe drinking water [ 17 ]. Vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women, children, and the poor, are more likely to face other risk factors such as repeated hookworm infestation and multiple micronutrient deficiencies [ 15 ].…”

“…Research in India shows that socioeconomic disadvantage leaves people at risk of IDA [ 11 , 15 ] due to lack of access to a diverse diet [ 16 ], poor environmental sanitation and unsafe drinking water [ 17 ]. Vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women, children, and the poor, are more likely to face other risk factors such as repeated hookworm infestation and multiple micronutrient deficiencies [ 15 ]. Studies point to the challenges facing adolescent-oriented anemia prevention programs—ensuring access, coverage and sustainability [ 4 , 15 , 17 , 18 ].…”

“…Vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women, children, and the poor, are more likely to face other risk factors such as repeated hookworm infestation and multiple micronutrient deficiencies [15]. Studies point to the challenges facing adolescent-oriented anemia prevention programs-ensuring access, coverage and sustainability [4,15,17,18]. Furthermore, research in LMIC contexts as a whole [4,9,[19][20][21] suggests that adolescent and community lack of awareness of anemia and of their own nutrition status is one of the factors limiting progress in anemia prevention.…”

The prevalence and associated factors for anaemia in school children in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India: a cross-sectional study

“…Nutritional anaemia and nonnutritional anaemia in children are two categories based on the causes. 5 The term "nutritional anaemia" covers all pathological conditions in which the blood haemoglobin concentration falls to a low level due to a deficiency in one or more nutrients. It is the most prevalent form of anaemia in the country.…”