Researchers in Ethiopia studied why teenage girls develop anemia (low iron in the blood), even when schools give them iron and folic acid supplements. They compared 359 girls from schools with the supplement program to those without it. About 23% of girls in schools with the program had anemia, while 34% in schools without it did. The study found that anemia is connected to several factors: not having enough food variety, parasites, limited access to doctors, low body weight, and not knowing enough about preventing anemia. The good news is that these are things that can be improved with better healthcare and education.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a program that gives teenage girls iron and folic acid pills once a week actually helps prevent anemia (a condition where your blood doesn’t carry enough oxygen because you don’t have enough iron)
  • Who participated: 359 teenage girls attending high school in two areas of Ethiopia—some in schools with the supplement program and some in schools without it
  • Key finding: Girls in schools with the iron supplement program had anemia at a rate of about 23%, while girls in schools without the program had it at about 34%. This shows the program helps, but many girls still get anemia even with the supplements.
  • What it means for you: If you’re a teenage girl, taking iron supplements helps reduce your risk of anemia, but it’s not the only answer. You also need good food, access to doctors, treatment for parasites, and knowledge about healthy eating. The program works better when combined with these other things.

The Research Details

Researchers used a method called a cross-sectional study, which is like taking a snapshot of a group of people at one moment in time. They randomly selected 359 teenage girls from high schools in Ethiopia—some from schools that had the weekly iron and folic acid supplement program and some from schools that didn’t have the program. They asked the girls questions about their health, diet, family size, and what they knew about preventing anemia. They also likely checked their blood to see if they had anemia. Then they compared the two groups to see what differences they found.

This type of study is useful for finding connections between different factors and anemia, but it can’t prove that one thing directly causes another. It’s like noticing that people who wear sunglasses are more likely to be at the beach—the sunglasses don’t cause the beach, but they’re connected to it.

This research design was important because it allowed researchers to compare two real-world situations: schools with the supplement program versus schools without it. By looking at actual students in their real environments, the researchers could see how well the program works in practice, not just in a controlled laboratory setting. This helps policymakers decide whether to expand the program.

The study had a good response rate (97% of selected students participated), which means the results are likely reliable. The researchers used proper statistical methods to analyze their data. However, because this is a cross-sectional study, it shows connections but not definite cause-and-effect relationships. The study was done in one specific region of Ethiopia, so the results might not apply exactly the same way to other countries or regions with different conditions.

What the Results Show

The main finding was that anemia is very common among teenage girls in this part of Ethiopia, affecting about 28% overall. However, the supplement program does help—girls in schools with the program had anemia at a lower rate (23%) compared to girls in schools without the program (34%). This 11-percentage-point difference shows the program is working, but it also shows that many girls still develop anemia even when taking the supplements.

The researchers found several factors connected to anemia. In schools with the supplement program, the biggest risk factors were: having parasites (worms), having a father who was absent or deceased, not knowing enough about preventing anemia, not having good access to healthcare, and being underweight. In schools without the program, the main risk factors were: having a large family, not having good access to healthcare, not eating a variety of foods, and being underweight.

One interesting finding is that knowledge about anemia prevention was very important. Girls who knew more about how to prevent anemia were much less likely to develop it. This suggests that education is a powerful tool for preventing this condition.

The study also revealed that body weight is strongly connected to anemia risk. Girls who were underweight were much more likely to have anemia. This makes sense because being underweight often means not eating enough nutritious food. Additionally, having access to healthcare made a big difference—girls who could easily see a doctor were less likely to have anemia, probably because doctors can diagnose and treat the condition early. The number of people in a family also mattered in schools without the program, suggesting that larger families might have fewer resources per person.

This research adds to what we already know about anemia in teenage girls in developing countries. Previous studies have shown that iron supplements help, but this study confirms that supplements alone aren’t enough. The finding that knowledge and healthcare access are crucial matches what other researchers have found. The study also supports earlier research showing that parasites and poor nutrition are major causes of anemia in this region.

The study was done in only one region of Ethiopia, so the results might not apply the same way in other countries or even other parts of Ethiopia. Because it’s a cross-sectional study (a snapshot in time), we can’t be completely sure that the factors found actually cause anemia—they might just be connected to it. The study didn’t measure exactly how much iron the girls were actually taking or how well they were following the supplement program. Also, the study didn’t look at other important factors like menstrual bleeding patterns, which can affect anemia risk in teenage girls.

The Bottom Line

If you’re a teenage girl in an area with high anemia rates: (1) Take iron and folic acid supplements if your school or doctor offers them—this can reduce your risk by about 11 percentage points. Confidence: High. (2) Eat a variety of foods including meat, beans, leafy greens, and whole grains to get iron naturally. Confidence: High. (3) Get checked for parasites and treat them if found. Confidence: High. (4) Try to maintain a healthy weight by eating enough nutritious food. Confidence: High. (5) Learn about anemia prevention and share this knowledge with friends and family. Confidence: High. (6) Make sure you have access to healthcare so problems can be caught early. Confidence: High.

This research is most important for teenage girls in developing countries, especially in Africa, where anemia is common. It’s also important for parents, teachers, school administrators, and health officials who want to help prevent anemia in young people. If you live in a developed country with good nutrition and healthcare, your risk of anemia is much lower, but the basic principles still apply. Anyone involved in public health programs for adolescents should pay attention to these findings.

If you start taking iron supplements, you might feel more energetic within a few weeks as your iron levels begin to improve. However, it typically takes 2-3 months of consistent supplementation to fully correct anemia. The benefits of eating better and treating parasites might be noticeable within weeks to months. Long-term prevention requires ongoing healthy habits—this isn’t something you do once and then stop.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track your iron supplement intake daily (yes/no for each day) and note any symptoms of anemia like fatigue, dizziness, or shortness of breath. Also track the variety of foods you eat each day—aim for at least 3 different food groups (grains, proteins, vegetables/fruits) at each meal.
  • Set a daily reminder to take your iron supplement at the same time each day. Use the app to log what you eat and get suggestions for iron-rich foods. Create a weekly goal to try one new iron-rich food. Share your progress with a friend or family member for accountability.
  • Check in monthly with a health provider for blood tests if possible to see if your anemia is improving. Use the app to track energy levels and symptoms over time. Monitor your weight monthly to ensure you’re maintaining a healthy range. Keep a record of when you last saw a doctor and schedule regular check-ups.

This research describes a study from Ethiopia and may not apply exactly the same way to other regions or countries. The findings show connections between factors and anemia but don’t prove direct cause-and-effect relationships. If you think you have anemia or are experiencing symptoms like extreme tiredness, shortness of breath, or dizziness, please see a doctor for proper testing and treatment. Do not start taking iron supplements without talking to a healthcare provider first, as too much iron can be harmful. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet or starting any supplement program.