Project – Assessment of Packed Cell Volume (PCV) and Anaemia Status among Adolescent Girls in Selected Public Secondary Schools in Abuja, Nigeria

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Anaemia is a major global public health challenge, particularly among adolescents, pregnant women, and young children in developing countries. It is defined as a condition in which the number of red blood cells or the haemoglobin concentration within them is lower than normal, resulting in reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. One of the most commonly used haematological indicators for assessing anaemia is Packed Cell Volume (PCV), also known as haematocrit, which measures the percentage of red blood cells in whole blood (World Health Organization, 2023).

Adolescence is a critical stage of growth and development characterized by rapid physical, physiological, and hormonal changes. During this period, nutritional demands increase significantly due to growth spurts, onset of menstruation in girls, and increased metabolic activity. Adolescent girls are particularly vulnerable to anaemia due to menstrual blood loss, poor dietary intake, low iron consumption, parasitic infections, and socio-economic factors that limit access to adequate nutrition (WHO, 2023; McLean et al., 2009).

Globally, anaemia affects an estimated 30–40% of adolescent girls, with the highest burden occurring in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. In Nigeria, studies indicate that anaemia prevalence among adolescent girls remains alarmingly high, ranging between 40% and 60% in various regions (Federal Ministry of Health Nigeria, 2021). This condition not only affects physical health but also impairs cognitive development, reduces academic performance, weakens immunity, and increases susceptibility to infections and fatigue.

Packed Cell Volume (PCV) is a key laboratory parameter used in routine haematological assessments to detect anaemia and evaluate blood health status. A reduced PCV value is indicative of anaemia, while elevated or normal values suggest adequate red blood cell mass. The World Health Organization defines anaemia in adolescent females as a haemoglobin level below 12 g/dL, which generally corresponds to a PCV level below approximately 36% (WHO, 2023).

In Nigeria, especially in urban and peri-urban areas such as Abuja, adolescent girls face multiple risk factors for anaemia, including poor dietary diversity, inadequate intake of iron-rich foods, increased consumption of processed foods, and limited awareness of nutritional requirements. In addition, parasitic infections such as malaria and helminthiasis further contribute to reduced PCV levels among this population (Aguayo et al., 2016).

Secondary school students represent a critical group for early detection and prevention of anaemia because schools provide an effective platform for health education, screening, and intervention programs. However, there is limited updated data on PCV levels and anaemia status among adolescent girls in public secondary schools in Abuja, Nigeria. This gap in information makes it difficult for health authorities and policymakers to design targeted interventions aimed at reducing anaemia prevalence in this vulnerable group.

Therefore, assessing the Packed Cell Volume (PCV) and anaemia status among adolescent girls in selected public secondary schools in Abuja is essential for understanding the magnitude of the problem and guiding appropriate preventive and corrective measures.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Anaemia among adolescent girls remains a persistent and under-recognized public health problem in Nigeria, despite ongoing nutritional programs and school health initiatives. Many adolescent girls in public secondary schools suffer from undiagnosed anaemia, which often goes unnoticed until symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, poor concentration, and frequent illness become severe.

In Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, adolescent girls are exposed to various risk factors that contribute to low Packed Cell Volume (PCV), including poor dietary habits, skipping meals, consumption of iron-deficient diets, and high prevalence of malaria and other infections. These factors collectively increase their vulnerability to anaemia, yet routine screening for PCV levels is not consistently implemented in many public secondary schools.

Furthermore, there is limited localized data on the actual PCV levels and anaemia status among adolescent girls in selected public secondary schools in Abuja. Most available studies focus on pregnant women or general population groups, leaving a significant gap in adolescent-specific haematological data. Without accurate and updated information, it becomes difficult for health authorities to design effective school-based nutrition and anaemia prevention programs.

The consequences of undetected anaemia among adolescent girls are serious and long-term. It can lead to impaired cognitive development, reduced academic achievement, decreased physical capacity, weakened immunity, and increased risk of maternal complications in the future if not corrected before reproductive age. Despite these risks, many schools lack structured health screening programs to identify and manage anaemia early.

Therefore, there is a need to assess the Packed Cell Volume (PCV) and anaemia status among adolescent girls in selected public secondary schools in Abuja to provide evidence-based data for intervention and policy formulation.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to assess the Packed Cell Volume (PCV) and anaemia status among adolescent girls in selected public secondary schools in Abuja, Nigeria.

Specific objectives are to:

1. Determine the Packed Cell Volume (PCV) levels among adolescent girls.
2. Assess the prevalence of anaemia among adolescent girls in selected public secondary schools.
3. Identify the severity of anaemia (mild, moderate, severe) among respondents.
4. Examine the relationship between dietary habits and PCV levels among adolescent girls.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What are the PCV levels among adolescent girls in selected public secondary schools in Abuja?
2. What is the prevalence of anaemia among the respondents?
3. What is the severity of anaemia among adolescent girls?
4. What is the relationship between dietary habits and PCV levels?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

H₀: There is no significant relationship between dietary habits and Packed Cell Volume (PCV) levels among adolescent girls in selected public secondary schools in Abuja.

H₁: There is a significant relationship between dietary habits and Packed Cell Volume (PCV) levels among adolescent girls in selected public secondary schools in Abuja.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study will be beneficial to multiple stakeholders. To adolescent girls, it will increase awareness of anaemia, its causes, and preventive measures. To school health authorities and teachers, the findings will help in developing school-based nutrition education and screening programs.

To healthcare professionals, the study will provide data necessary for early detection and management of anaemia among adolescents. Policymakers and public health planners will also benefit from the findings in designing targeted interventions such as iron supplementation programs, deworming campaigns, and nutrition education in schools. Additionally, the study will contribute to academic literature on adolescent haematological health in Nigeria.

1.7 Scope of the Study

This study is limited to adolescent girls in selected public secondary schools in Abuja, Nigeria. It focuses on Packed Cell Volume (PCV) levels, anaemia status, severity classification of anaemia, and dietary habits among respondents.

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

• Packed Cell Volume (PCV): The percentage of red blood cells in blood, used to assess anaemia.
• Anaemia: A condition characterized by reduced haemoglobin or red blood cell concentration below normal levels.
• Adolescent Girls: Female students aged approximately 10–19 years.
• Prevalence: The proportion of individuals in a population who have a specific condition at a given time.
• Public Secondary Schools: Government-owned schools providing secondary education.

Project – Assessment of Packed Cell Volume (PCV) and Anaemia Status among Adolescent Girls in Selected Public Secondary Schools in Abuja, Nigeria