Prevalence of Anemia among Adolescent Girls in Rural Vs. Urban Areas of Gujarat, India: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Anemia remains a critical public health issue in India, particularly among adolescent girls, driven by nutritional demands of puberty and menstruation. In Gujarat, where adolescents form a significant demographic, anemia prevalence is high, influenced by socioeconomic disparities, dietary patterns, and healthcare access. Previous studies in Gujarat suggest higher rural prevalence, yet recent data are limited. This study aimed to assess anemia prevalence among adolescent girls in rural versus urban Gujarat, evaluating hemoglobin levels and associated factors to inform targeted interventions. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted for one year among 500 adolescent girls aged 10–19 years, equally divided between rural (n=250) and urban (n=250) areas. Participants were selected via multistage random sampling from schools and community centers. Hemoglobin was measured using the cyanmethemoglobin method (anemia: