Prevalence, severity and correlates of anemia among adolescent girls in an urban village of Delhi: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Anemia is a major public health problem among adolescents in India, affecting growth and academic performance. Despite weekly iron folic acid supplementation (WIFS) program, data from urban villages is limited. Objective: To estimate prevalence, severity and assess socio-demographic, nutritional and knowledge correlates of anemia among adolescent girls in an urban village of Delhi. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 adolescent girls aged 10-19 years in Aali village, Delhi from 01 January 2025 to 31 March 2026. Multi-stage sampling was used. Haemoglobin was estimated using digital hemoglobinometer. Anemia was defined as Hb<12 g/dl. Data was analysed using SPSS v26. Chi-square and univariate logistic regression were used. p<0.05 was considered significant. Results: Prevalence of anemia was 67.2%. Mild, moderate and severe anemia was 42.5%, 22.0% and 2.7% respectively. Prevalence was higher in 15-19 years 73.6% vs 10-14 years 59.4%, OR 1.86, p=0.003. Mother's illiteracy OR 2.61, p<0.001 and early menarche <13 years OR 1.74, p=0.013 were significant. Underweight girls had 4.67 times higher odds, p<0.001. Vegetarian diet OR 2.12, p<0.001. Non-consumption of IFA OR 4.52, p<0.001. Poor knowledge had highest odds OR 6.02, p<0.001. Conclusions: Anemia burden is high. Modifiable factors like undernutrition, poor IFA compliance and poor knowledge are key drivers. A multi-sectoral approach strengthening WIFS, nutrition and targeted IEC through schools and mothers is needed.