Prevalence and Determinants of Anemia among Adolescent Girls in Rural Nepal

Abstract

Background: Adolescence is a period of rapid growth and increased nutritional requirements, making girls in low- and middle-income countries, such as Nepal, vulnerable to iron deficiency anemia. In rural areas of Nepal, menstrual blood loss, poor diet, and socio-cultural barriers all increase this risk. Despite national programs, anemia remains a major public health concern, affecting cognition, immunity, and future reproductive health. This study assessed the prevalence and determinants of nutritional status, including anemia, in adolescent girls.
Methods: A cross-sectional school-based study was conducted from July to August 2024, with 501 adolescent girls aged 10 to 19 years, using a census method in Annapurna Rural Municipality, Kaski, Nepal. Data were collected using face-to-face interviews, anthropometric assessments, and blood tests. BMI-for-age z-scores (BAZ) were computed using WHO Anthro-Plus, and anemia was categorized based on laboratory-established ferritin guidelines. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, the ????2 test, and logistic regression (p < 0.05).
Results: Considering ferritin (< 40.7 ng/mL) and hemoglobin (?12 g/dL), the prevalence of anemia was found to be 67.6% and (?12 g/dL), respectively. Maternal education, family type, and parental marital status were found to be significantly associated with anemia (p<0.05). Similarly, ethnicity, maternal education, and family type were found statistically associated with nutritional status (p <0.05).
Conclusions: The study highlighted a concerning magnitude of anemia among adolescent girls in rural Nepal, with two-thirds being anaemic. The findings underscore that nutritional deficiencies are not merely biological issues but are deeply rooted in social and educational determinants such as maternal education, family structure, and ethnicity. Addressing this challenge requires a comprehensive approach such as strengthening nutrition education, promoting iron-rich diets, ensuring regular screening, and enhancing maternal awareness through community and school-based programs to effectively reduce anemia and improve adolescent health outcomes.
Keywords: Adolescent girls; adolescent health; anemia; obesity; overweight.