International Journal of Health & Allied Sciences

ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Year
: 2019  |  Volume : 8  |  Issue : 2  |  Page : 144--148

Anemia-related knowledge, attitude, and practices in adolescent schoolgirls of Delhi: A cross-sectional study


Monika Singh1, Om Prakash Rajoura2, Raghavendra A Honnakamble1 
1 Department of Community Medicine, SN Medical College, Bagalkot, Karnataka, India
2 Department of Community Medicine, UCMS and GTBH, Delhi, India

Correspondence Address:
Dr. Raghavendra A Honnakamble
Department of Community Medicine, SN Medical College, Bagalkot - 587 102, Karnataka
India

BACKGROUND: Anemia is a serious public health problem, especially in a developing country like India. Gap in nutritional knowledge is one of the major reasons for nutritional problems. Consequently, improper practices can lead to intergenerational impact. OBJECTIVES: To examine anemia-related knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) in adolescent schoolgirls and to find health-seeking behavior regarding anemia among adolescent schoolgirls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional survey was conducted in a northwest district of Delhi. A total of 210 adolescent schoolgirls were included in this study. A predesigned, pretested, semi-structured questionnaire was used to asses KAP about anemia. RESULTS: The present study observed that adolescent schoolgirls had less knowledge about anemia. Out of 210 girls, only 60 (28.5%) had heard the term anemia and among them, 50 (83.3%) considered that anemia is a health problem. Very few girls correctly answered questions regarding the symptoms, prevention, and treatment of anemia. Most of the students (170 [80.9]) used soap for washing their hands and the rest (19%) cleaned with just water. Only 52% of girls cleaned their hands with soap before consuming food. Trimming of nails regularly was practiced by 160 (76.2%) girls, and there was a practice of barefoot walking outside the home in 28.5% of girls. CONCLUSION: Adolescent girls exhibited knowledge toward anemia but not adequate attitude and practice. Propagation of comprehensive nutritional knowledge regarding diet and supplements rich in iron should be made mandatory.


How to cite this article:
Singh M, Rajoura OP, Honnakamble RA. Anemia-related knowledge, attitude, and practices in adolescent schoolgirls of Delhi: A cross-sectional study.Int J Health Allied Sci 2019;8:144-148


How to cite this URL:
Singh M, Rajoura OP, Honnakamble RA. Anemia-related knowledge, attitude, and practices in adolescent schoolgirls of Delhi: A cross-sectional study. Int J Health Allied Sci [serial online] 2019 [cited 2024 Mar 28 ];8:144-148
Available from: https://www.ijhas.in/article.asp?issn=2278-344X;year=2019;volume=8;issue=2;spage=144;epage=148;aulast=Singh;type=0