"DIETARY MICRONUTRIENT INADEQUACIES AND KNOWLEDGE DEFICIENCIES AMONG WOMEN AGED 20-40 YEARS IN MODERN INDIA"

Abstract

Background: Micronutrients, including vitamins and minerals, are required by the body in small quantities but play vital roles in various biochemical processes such as enzymatic reactions, gene transcription, and protection against oxidative stress (Brown et al., 2021). Deficiencies in these essential nutrients can lead to life-threatening conditions (Camaschella, 2019). Micronutrient deficiencies, often termed “hidden hunger,” continue to pose significant public health challenges, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like India. Despite growing awareness, deficiencies in iron, vitamin D, calcium, and vitamin B12 remain prevalent across various age groups, especially among women and adolescents. Many of these deficiency-related conditions are preventable through dietary awareness, the promotion of a healthy and balanced diet, education, and early detection—facilitated by the use of technological and scientific advancements (World Health Organization).

Methods: This was an explorative study, used evaluative approach and conducted at Buldhanarural district of Maharashtra amongst 30 Women byusing simple random samplingmethod during the period of June 2025 to July 2025. Demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, blood cossllected for Hemoglobin, Calcium, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, folate.  Pretest and posttest knowledge regarding micronutrients were assessed through 30 questions. Structured teaching programme was provided after pretest data collection.

Results: Majority of the women 22 (73.33%) had Hemoglobin >12gm%, 7 (23.33%) had Mild anemia, 01(3.33%) had moderate anemia.1 (3.33%) had Vitamin D deficiency, 21(70%) had insufficient level of Vitamin D, and 2(6.66%) had folate deficiency.Majority (36.67%) of the womenwere between 36-45 years were, 56.66% were graduate and 53.14%, 50% of them were working in private sector and had 5 to 10 thousand income per month. All of them were from Buldhana-a rural district of the Maharashtra,80% are married 63.33% belong to joint family having 3 to 6 members in their family. Many of them were vegetarian, taking 2 home cook meals in the day, 46.67% of women consuming micronutrients rich food regularly.Majority of them don’t have past medical history, history of anaemia or taking medication. In pre-test, women had 15.93 knowledge score and in post-test it was 23.73 knowledge score, so the mean difference was 7.80 score, which was large and statistically significant, knowledge score.

Conclusion: This study concluded that Prevalence of Micronutrient deficiency was low. Waist circumference and BMI of women is more than normal and Vitamin B12 is less in women who had inadequate knowledge regarding micronutrients, also structured teaching program was significantly effective in improving their knowledge regarding micronutrients. Statically significant was found association between vegetarian diet, income, private job and the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies.