Study of adherence and effect of iron and folic acid supplement on haemoglobin level among adolescent girls in rural area

Background: The NFHS-3 data suggests that anaemia among adolescent Indian girls (15–19 years) is 56%. The control of anaemia in adolescent girls can be more easily achieved if a satisfactory iron status can be ensured in this important phase of life. This study estimated the prevalence of anaemia among adolescent girls, their adherence and compliance to IFA and studied effect of IFA supplementation on haemoglobin level of adolescent girls. Methods: Community based cross-sectional study was carried out among 378 adolescent girls during June 2012 to May 2013 by house to house survey. All the relevant information was collected in predesigned proforma. The clinical examination, anthropometric examination and by Sahli’s haemoglobin meter, estimation of haemoglobin were done. Participants were given iron and folic supplementation for 45 days at the time of home visit and subsequently for another 45 days. Adherence to IFA was assessed through pill count. Results: Prevalence of anaemia in the adolescent girls was found to be 68.5%. Majority of girls were having mild anaemia. Before intervention the mean haemoglobin was 10.61±1.32 and after intervention it was 11.02±1.06 (p=0.001). Adherence to treatment was found in 85.19% of study participants. Conclusion: Prevalence of anaemia among adolescent females was high in rural study area. The declining trend was observed in grades of anaemia, there was conversion of moderate anaemia to mild anaemia and non-anaemia which was significant. The mean haemoglobin levels were increased after supplementation of IFA in study participants.