In WIFS programme the target age group is?

KPSC Staff Nurse - 2021

Community Health Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: KPSC Staff Nurse - 2021

Explanation

The Weekly Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation (WIFS) programme is a key initiative under the Anemia Mukt Bharat strategy.
It specifically targets adolescents, defined as individuals in the 10–19 years age bracket.
This includes both boys and girls, whether they are attending school or are out of school.
The programme aims to address the high nutritional requirements and vulnerability to iron deficiency anemia during this rapid growth phase.

Option A: The age group of 15 to 45 years refers to women of reproductive age (WRA). While they are a target group for IFA supplementation under the broader National Iron+ Initiative, especially during pregnancy and lactation, they are not the specific target group for the adolescent-focused WIFS programme.
Option B: Children aged 1 to 5 years (specifically 6-59 months) are part of the national anemia control program, but they receive IFA in the form of syrup, not tablets, and on a bi-weekly schedule.
Option D: Individuals above 60 years are not the target demographic for the WIFS programme. While the elderly can suffer from anemia, national public health programs like WIFS are focused on children, adolescents, and women of reproductive age.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Target age group for the Weekly Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation (WIFS) programme as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A nurse's role in the WIFS programme is crucial. In school health programs or at Anganwadi centers, nurses are responsible for supervising the weekly intake of IFA tablets, ensuring compliance, and managing any side effects like nausea or constipation.
Nurses also play a key role in health education, counseling adolescents on the importance of iron-rich diets (e.g., green leafy vegetables, legumes) and the need for deworming.
Patient safety is paramount. Nurses must screen for contraindications. For example, IFA supplementation is not given to children with severe acute malnutrition or certain hemoglobinopathies like thalassemia without medical evaluation.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question: 'WIFS programme'.
Recall the full form of WIFS: Weekly Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation.
The name itself provides clues: 'Weekly' supplementation is a key feature.
Access your knowledge of national health programs in India. Remember that WIFS is specifically designed for the adolescent population to combat anemia during a period of rapid growth.
Evaluate the given age groups. '10 to 19 years' directly corresponds to the definition of adolescence used in public health.
Eliminate the other options: '1 to 5 years' receive IFA syrup, '15 to 45 years' are women of reproductive age with different protocols, and 'Above 60 years' is not a target group for this specific program.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Target age group for the Weekly Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation (WIFS) programme.
Stem keywords: WIFS programme, target age group
Lead-in keywords: is
Negative lead-in flag: false

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E6 Text Book Of Pediatric Nursing 3rd Panchali Pal — Part 1 (pp 36-238 of 713) p. 18-20