Study of Anaemia Prevalence and Dietary Practices Among Adolescent Girls in Ebonyi State

Iron-deficiency anaemia among adolescent girls in Nigeria represents a double burden of nutritional deprivation affecting both adolescent health and future pregnancy outcomes, yet its community-level prevalence and dietary determinants in South East Nigeria are incompletely characterised. This study assessed anaemia prevalence and dietary practices among adolescent girls in Abakaliki LGA, Ebonyi State, South East Nigeria. A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted among 260 adolescent girls aged 10 to 19 years selected through multi-stage sampling. Haemoglobin was measured using a HemoCue device; anaemia was defined as haemoglobin below 12 g/dL for non-pregnant adolescents. A 24-hour dietary recall and food frequency questionnaire assessed iron-rich food consumption, vitamin C intake, and inhibitor food practices. Menstrual blood loss history was collected. Results showed an overall anaemia prevalence of 36.2 percent (mild 19.6 percent, moderate 14.2 percent, severe 2.4 percent). Daily consumption of iron-rich foods was reported by only 31.2 percent of respondents. Dietary inhibitor practices such as tea drinking with meals were reported by 54.6 percent. Anaemia was significantly associated with low dietary diversity (OR 2.9; p < 0.001), irregular iron-rich food intake (OR 2.5; p < 0.001), and heavy menstrual periods (OR 2.2; p < 0.01). The study recommends school and community-based adolescent nutrition education, iron and folate supplementation programmes for out-of-school adolescents, and dietary counselling at PHC facilities in Ebonyi State. Keywords: anaemia, adolescent girls, dietary practices, Ebonyi State, South East Nigeria