Prevalence and risk factors of nutritional anaemia among adolescents in India: a systematic review with meta-analysis of prevalence

Abstract

Abstract Background Nutritional anaemia is a major public health concern among adolescents in India, threatening physical growth, cognitive development, and future maternal health. This systematic review with meta-analysis of prevalence aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of nutritional anaemia among Indian adolescents aged 10–19 years and identify key associated risk factors. Methods A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus up to February 2025. Data were extracted on study design, setting, diagnostic methods, prevalence, and risk factors. Quality was assessed with a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. A random-effects meta-analysis estimated pooled prevalence, with subgroup analyses by state and gender, and pooled odds ratios for risk factors. Results Forty-five studies encompassing diverse Indian regions and 159,979 adolescents were included. The pooled prevalence of nutritional anaemia was 56% (95% CI: 49%–63%), with higher rates among girls (62%) than boys (39%). Iron deficiency (OR 2.38–4.68), other micronutrient deficiencies, low socioeconomic status, poor dietary diversity, female gender, and inadequate supplementation were consistently associated with higher anaemia risk. Conclusion Nutritional anaemia impacts more than half of Indian adolescents, with notable regional and gender differences. Its complex nutritional, socioeconomic, and behavioural causes demand targeted, context-specific interventions to enhance adolescent health nationwide.