Exploring the Lived-in Experiences of Adolescents School going girls with Anemia: A Qualitative Study

Anemia continues to be a major public health challenge worldwide, particularly among adolescent girls who are biologically and socio-culturally vulnerable during their developmental years. In India, the prevalence remains critically high, affecting not only physical health but also emotional well-being, cognitive functioning and academic performance. This qualitative study aimed to explore the lived-in experiences of adolescent girls diagnosed with anemia who underwent a structured 12 week multi-intervention program. The program included nutritional support, cognitive training and health education designed to enhance awareness and promote self-care practices. Adopting a phenomenological design, in-depth interviews were conducted with 15 adolescent girls aged 12 to 18 years from government schools in the Raigarh district of Chhattisgarh. Participants were selected through purposive sampling and had been clinically diagnosed with mild to moderate anemia (hemoglobin levels between 7.0 and 11.9 g/dL). Interviews, lasting between 30 to 45 minutes, were conducted in a private setting to ensure confidentiality and comfort. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically using Braun and Clarke’s six-phase framework. Analysis of the narratives revealed six interconnected themes: functional limitations, physiological burnout, cognitive symptom clusters, academic impairments, social stigma and self-directed care. These themes reflected the interconnected challenges faced by the participants and highlighted both the debilitating impact of anemia and their evolving resilience. This study emphasizes the significance of understanding anemia not merely as a clinical condition but as a deeply personal and complex experience that shapes various domains of adolescent life. Beyond general observations, qualitative inquiry uncovers the nuanced emotional, social and psychological impacts often overlooked in routine health assessments. The insights gained underscore the need for adolescent-centered, integrative health strategies that address the lived realities of anemia, particularly in resource-constrained settings.