Abstract Background: Nutritional anemia remains a major public health concern among adolescents, particularly in developing countries, due to increased physiological demands, dietary insufficiencies, and socioeconomic factors. Understanding determinants and clinical profiles is essential for effective intervention strategies. We evaluated demographic, socioeconomic, nutritional determinants, clinical characteristics, and hematological parameters of nutritional anemia in adolescents. Materials and Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional observational study included 119 adolescents aged 10–19 years with nutritional anemia. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, clinical examination, and laboratory investigations, including hemoglobin, serum iron, ferritin, folate, and vitamin B12 levels. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 25. Associations were assessed using the chi-square test and analysis of variance, with P < 0.05 considered significant. Results: The mean age was 13.48 ± 2.93 years, with females constituting 52.1%. Most participants belonged to the lower middle socioeconomic class (32.8%). The mean hemoglobin level was 9.38 ± 2.01 g/dL. Iron deficiency anemia was most prevalent, with mild (43.7%), moderate (23.5%), and severe (21.0%) forms. Megaloblastic anemia was observed in 11.8%. Hemoglobin, iron, ferritin, and mean corpuscular volume levels showed a significant association with anemia severity ( P < 0.001). Dietary pattern, socioeconomic status, and menstrual history were important determinants. Conclusion: Nutritional anemia remains highly prevalent among adolescents, with iron deficiency as the predominant cause. Socioeconomic status, dietary habits, and hematological parameters significantly influence the severity. Early screening, dietary interventions, and supplementation programs are essential to reduce anemia burden.
Isha et al. (Thu,) studied this question.