A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE PREVALENCE OF NUTRITIONAL ANEMIA IN ADOLESCENT FEMALES IN URBAN AND RURAL AREAS IN ISMAILIA GOVERNORATE

Abstract

Anemia is one of the most widespread public health problems, especially in developing countries, and has important health and welfare, social, and economic consequences. These include impaired cognitive

development, reduced physical work capacity, and in severe cases increased risk of mortality, particularly during the perinatal period. There is also evidence that anemia may result in reduced growth and increased morbidity. Given the magnitude of the problem, greater efforts are needed to develop and implement programs both to prevent and to control anemia. It should be noted that anemia afflicts an estimated two billion people worldwide, mostly due to iron deficiency. It primarily affects women. Yet among adolescents, prevalence rates of anemia are closer for males and females in some parts of the world. The prevalence of anemia is disproportionately high in developing countries, due to poverty, inadequate diet, certain diseases, pregnancy and lactation, and poor access to health services. Young people are particularly susceptible because of their rapid growth and associated high iron requirements (WHO., 1991).

Anemia is a critical health concern because it affects growth and energy levels. In pregnancy it is associated with premature births, low birth weight, and perinatal and maternal mortality. Adolescence is an opportune time for interventions to address anemia. In addition to growth needs, girls )teed to improve iron status before pregnancy. And both boys and girls are more accessible to information about anemia through schools, recreational activities, and via the mass media than they will be later in their lives (Helen Keller International Girls, 1996 and Kurz, 1997).