Knowledge of Iron Deficiency Anaemia and Associated Attributes Among School Adolescents in Eastern India: A Cross-Sectional Evaluation.

BACKGROUND

This study assessed knowledge related to iron deficiency anaemia (IDA), weekly iron and folic acid supplementation (WIFS), and school-based deworming among school-going adolescents in Eastern India, along with key associated attributes.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 843 students (Standards 8-10) from four government schools in Deoghar, Jharkhand, using multistage probability sampling. A validated Hindi questionnaire was used to assess knowledge alongside symptoms, clinical pallor, and anthropometry.

RESULTS

Median knowledge scores were 14 (interquartile range (IQR): 7-18) for IDA and 9 (IQR: 6-11) for WIFS and deworming. IDA knowledge positively correlated with the number of anaemia-related symptoms (ρ = 0.269, p < 0.001); WIFS and deworming knowledge showed a similar trend (ρ = 0.276, p < 0.001). Participants reporting ≥ 3 symptoms had significantly higher IDA scores than those with none (mean rank difference = 217.5 vs. 69.8; p < 0.001), and WIFS scores (190.2 vs. 61.7; p < 0.001). Knowledge was significantly higher in older students (≥ 16 years vs. < 14 years: p < 0.001), higher grades (Standards 9 and 10 vs. Standard 8: p < 0.001), and those with literate parents (both p < 0.001). Boys had higher WIFS knowledge than girls (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Higher symptom burden and demographic factors were associated with greater knowledge, underscoring the need for focused anaemia education among less informed subgroups in school settings.