Anemia in Adolescents / Tamilnadu federation

Anaemia in adolescents - most common problem in adolescents which lead to many health issues. Proper awareness and healthy iron rich foods helps to prevent anaemia... Correct identification at an appropriate time especially in adolescents can prevent many issues.

1. ADOLESCENT ANAEMIA 02-12-2023 TNFOG

2. The term adolescence is derived from Latin ‘ Adolescere ’ meaning to grow, to mature. Considered as transition from childhood to adulthood The progression from appearance of secondary sexual characteristics to sexual and reproductive maturity is the marked feature No longer children, yet not adults 02-12-2023 TNFOG

3. Adolescents are categorized as - Early adolescence (10 -13 yrs ): Spurt of growth of development of secondary sex, Middle adolescence (14-16 yrs ): Separate identity from parents, New relationship to peer groups, with opposite sex and desire for experimentation Late adolescence (17-19 yrs ): Distinct identity, well formed opinion and ideas. 02-12-2023 TNFOG

4. There are about 1.2 billion adolescents in the world, which is equal to 1/5th of the world’s population and their numbers are increasing 48% of Indian Adolescents are GIRLS 02-12-2023 TNFOG

5. ANAEMIA Anemia is defined as a condition in which the number of red blood cells (RBCs) and their oxygen-carrying capacity is insufficient to meet the body’s physiologic needs Do You know your recent Hb level? 02-12-2023 TNFOG

6. Causes of Anaemia NUTRITIONAL NON NUTRITIONAL Low iron & folic acid in diet Condition like malaria Dietary deficiency of vitamins Hook worm infestation esp vit C & B12 Heavy/Chronic Bleeding 02-12-2023 TNFOG

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8. Criteria for anaemia among adolescents were accepted as haemoglobin value <12 gm/dl as per W H O recommendations. 02-12-2023 TNFOG

9. ANAEMIA IN ADOLESCENTS Inadequately prepared for life Enter adulthood in poor health Maternal mortality higher for young women Infant mortality higher for young mothers Unintended pregnancy/Unsafe abortion Lack of knowledge of STIS/HIVS Substance abuse Sexual abuse/violence Growth needs –peer pressure/environmental changes 02-12-2023 TNFOG

10. Iron deficiency anaemia is common. Adolescents should be counselled to take iron rich foods 02-12-2023 TNFOG

11. ADOLESCENTS AT GREAT RISK Due to accelerated increase in requirements of iron Poor dietary intake of iron Erratic eating habits, dislike for foods which rich in iron like greens Iron absorption inhibitors in food – Phytates/tannin High rate of infection, worm infestations Social norms – early marriage & adolescent pregnancy 02-12-2023 TNFOG

12. Adolescent anaemia - Risks in Development Reduced physical development Reduced cognitive development decreased work output diminished concentration decreased work capacity disturbance in perception poor learning ability Impaired sexual & Reproductive development irregular menstruation low prepregnancy ironstores LBW babies & Preterm delivery 02-12-2023 TNFOG

13. SYMPTOMS Easy fatigue & loss of energy Unusual rapid heartbeat ,mainly with exercise Shortness of breath & headache Lack of concentrating Dizziness Leg cramps Pale skin Insomnia 02-12-2023 TNFOG

14. SIGNS Brittle nails Koilonychia Atrophy of the papillae of the tongue Angular stomatitis Brittle hair Dysphagia & Glossitis Plummer vinson syndrome 02-12-2023 TNFOG

15. MODERATE TO SEVERE ANAEMIA Palor of tongue, nail, palm & conjunctiva Fatigue & loss of appetite Breathlessness Swelling of feet 02-12-2023 TNFOG

16. Management MILD / MODERATE ANAEMIA - 60mg of elemental iron for 3 months Follow up every mth in mild & 15 days in moderate If not tolerable use Injections SEVERE ANAEMIA Refer to higher institute for evaluation & blood transfusion 02-12-2023 TNFOG

17. PREVENTION Eat iron rich diets Wash hands before & after eating Avoid walking in bare foots – worm infestation Clean surroundings, use insecticide, mosquito nets -Malaria Avoid eating open foods - infections Wash hands before and after defecation Deworming tablets every 6 month Assess monthly bleeding Screen for haemoglobinopathies 02-12-2023 TNFOG

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19. CONCLUSION MANTRAS 1. Eat healthy & balanced diet 2. Prevent anemia and iron deficiency 3. Prevent worm infestation 4. Maintain personal hygiene and sanitation in surroundings 02-12-2023 TNFOG

20. THANK YOU 02-12-2023 TNFOG