Dietary Diversity and Iron Deficiency Anaemia Among Adolescent Girls in Secondary Schools in Enugu State, South East Nigeria

Iron deficiency anaemia is a prevalent nutritional disorder among adolescent girls in sub-Saharan Africa, with significant implications for academic performance, reproductive health, and overall productivity. This study investigated the relationship between dietary diversity and iron deficiency anaemia among adolescent girls in secondary schools in Enugu State, South East Nigeria. A cross-sectional descriptive design was used, targeting female students aged thirteen to eighteen years across eight randomly selected schools. Three hundred and ten respondents were enrolled and their dietary diversity was assessed using a seven-food-group dietary diversity score adapted from FAO guidelines. Blood haemoglobin levels were determined using a digital haemoglobin metre administered by trained health personnel. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and logistic regression were applied in data analysis. Results showed that over 40 percent of respondents had haemoglobin levels below the WHO anaemia threshold for adolescent girls. Dietary diversity scores were low overall, with animal-source foods and dark leafy vegetables consumed infrequently. A significant inverse relationship was established between dietary diversity score and anaemia prevalence. Socioeconomic status and school type were significant predictors of dietary diversity. The study recommends targeted iron supplementation programmes, school garden initiatives, and menstrual health education for adolescent girls in Enugu State. Keywords: dietary diversity, iron deficiency anaemia, adolescent girls, Enugu State, haemoglobin