Anemia and Serum Iron Status in Adolescent Female

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Anemia is still the most common nutrient deficiency worldwide, especially in adolescence because of an insufficient supply of iron, an increased iron requirement due to accelerated physical growth and blood loss due to menstruation in girls. This study was designed to assess the anemia and serum iron status of middle school girls. METHODS: Hematologic examinations, physical examinations and questionnaires were performed for middle school girls in 1990, 1997, 1999 and 2000. Anemia was defined as a serum hemoglobin level of less than 11.5 g/dL. Iron deficiency was defined as a serum ferritin level of less than 10 ng/mL. Iron deficiency anemia was defined as anemia plus one of the following; MCV less than 78 fL, Ferritin level less than 10 ng/mL or Transferrin saturation rate less than 10%. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in mean Hb between urban and rural areas and decreases in mean Hb as with age. The prevalence of anemia decreased by year; 13.5% in 1990, 6.9 % in 1997, 6.0% in 1999, and 5.7% in 2000. It was high in high school girls(10.1% in 1997 and 12.6% in 2000). The prevalence of iron deficiency decreased by year; 36.1% in 1990, 13.9% in 1997, 13.3% in 1999, and 23.2% in 2000. It was 21.3% in 1997 high school girls and 37.8% in 2000. The prevalence of iron deficiency anemia(IDA) decreased by year; 10.0% in 1990, 4.6% in 1997, 8.3% in 1999, and 6.1% in 2000. It was 11.6% in 1997 high school girls and 18.6% in 2000. CONCLUSION: Although the prevalence of iron deficiency decreased during this period, the prevalence of anemia in the elder adolescence girls was high. Two things are recommended; first, it is necessary to screen for anemia in middle school girls and high risk groups, second, it is important to evaluate the knowledge of nutrition and to enforce effective nutritional education, leading to subjects receiving adequate nutrition.