Vol. 7, Issue 7 (2018)

Author(s):
Pravita Gupta and Alka Gupta

Abstract:
Iron deficiency anemia affects over 60% of the girls in India. Anemia in girls has far-reaching implications. The anemic girls grow into adult women with compromised growth, both physical and mental. From the present study it is reviewed that the food consumption pattern of the college going girls was, Out of 30 respondents, 33.3 percent girls were vegetarians, 40 percent girls were non vegetarian and 26.6 percent girls were eggiterian, 13.3 percent of girls were consuming whole milk, 46.6 percent girls consumed toned milk, 23.3 percent girls were taking cow’s milk and 16.6 percent girls were never consuming the milk similarly 33.3 percent girls consumed fast foods once in a week, 13.3 percent girls consumed it twice a week, 53.3 percent girls consumed it once in a month. the dietary pattern of the girls was as follow, out of 30 respondents, 20 percent girls followed type (a) dietary pattern in which the girls were consuming only brunch and dinner, 60 percent girls followed (b) dietary pattern in which they were taking breakfast lunch and dinner, 6.6 percent girls followed (c) dietary pattern in which they were consuming breakfast, lunch, evening tea and dinner and 13.3 percent girls followed (d) dietary pattern in which they were taking all breakfast, lunch, evening tea, dinner and bed time. In the clinical signs and symptoms it was found that 33.3% of the subjects had dry eyes, 6.6% had watery eyes whereas 60% had normal eyes. About 13.3% of the studied subjects had angular stomatitis whereas 53.3% had normal lips and 33.3% had white lips. Majority of the subjects 46.6% had normal tongue followed by 6.6%, 46.6% who had red and pale tongue. It was revealed in the present study that 40.0% of the subjects had normal skin whereas 26.6% had dry and rough skin and 33.3% had pale skin. It was observed that 73.3% of the subjects had normal teeth whereas 26.6% had discolored teeth. Majority 66.6% of the subjects had normal nails whereas 1.6% and 16.6% had white and brittle nails. 50% of the subjects had a hair fall whereas 50% had no hair fall. Majority of the respondents i.e. 36.6% could feel vertigo followed by 20% of the respondents who experienced tiredness, 16.6% of the subjects where suffering from weakness and 13.3% of the subjects were found to feel breathlessness respectively. Many girls were also subjected to menstrual problems like dismenuria, heavy blood flow and irregular menstrual cycle which also contributed to iron deficiency among them. From the average nutrient intake of the girls it was concluded that the consumption of energy up to the mark 105%, the protein, calcium, iron, Vit C and folic acid consumption was less than the normal i.e 72%,75%,71.4%,75% and 78%respectively. Posters, charts and folders were prepared for the awareness of iron deficiency and dietary intake.