A Qualitative Analysis of Anemia Management Among Adolescent Girls of Telangana Social Welfare Schools
Abstract
Sandhya NVS Dittakavi*, R S Savitha, R Prashanthi, S Kiran Kumar and Phani Kumari
Introduction: Anemia, a major public health issue in India, significantly affects adolescent girls, impacting their health, academic performance, and future reproductive health. Despite various government initiatives, the prevalence of anemia remains high. To understand the prevalence of anaemia in adolescent girls and to provide better solutions for managing anaemia at a very early stage a gap analysis study was conducted in the selected schools of Telangana social welfare residential schools.
Methodology: This study employs a qualitative approach, where Focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted with key stakeholders, including state-level policymakers, health officers, regional health officers, and educational staff from selected districts. The selection was based on anemia performance indicators from NFHS-5 data, ensuring diverse socio-economic and geographical perspectives. COREQ checklist method was used to report the qualitative data.
Results: The study reveals critical gaps in the implementation of anemia control programs. Key issues include a lack of awareness about anemia's long-term health impacts, inadequate training for stakeholders, and poor monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. These gaps hinder the effectiveness of existing programs, resulting in persistently high anemia rates.
Conclusion: To address these gaps, the study recommends standardized protocols for managing anaemia, comprehensive training programs for stakeholders, enhanced awareness campaigns, and robust monitoring mechanisms. Improved implementation of anemia control measures such as standardized protocols, regular screening programs and creating awareness among stake holders, students and parents is crucial for better health outcomes.