Study on efficacy of different dosage regimens of iron prophylaxis among adolescents in rural Area

Aims and Objective: To compare the efficacy of different dosage regimens of iron prophylaxis among the subgroups of boys and girls. A quasi experimental study was conducted in rural health centre area of Department of community medicine, RMMC&H. Hundred and one anemic adolescents were identified, out of which only 93 participated till the end of the study. 93 The Individuals were graded mild (10-11.9gms/dl), moderate (8-9.99%) and severely anemic (8gms/dl) as per WHO [5] and they were divided into two groups. 43 indivduals in category A (15 boys & 28 girls) were given once weekly supplementation by the health worker under supervision. Category B consisting of 50 subjects (15 boys & 35 girls) were given twice weekly supplementation. Supplementation was given for a period of 6 months under supervision. Hemoglobin estimation was done at the end of 6 months to find out the efficacy of 2 different regimens. Results: There was a significant increase in the mean hemoglobin level in both the category A [mean hemoglobin level 10.42 & 10.66 in boys and girls have increased to 14.06 & 13.10 respectively] & category B [mean hemoglobin level 11.02 & 10.26 in boys and girls have increased to 13.50 & 12.38 respectively] and there was marginal increase in category A when compared to category B, among both boys and girls. It was observed that, with once weekly regimen as compared to twice weekly schedule, the increase in mean hemoglobin was better in boys as compared to girls.