Analysis of Adolescent Girls’ Understanding of Anemia

Arifah Septiane Mukti, Ririn Lestari, Siti Fatimah

Abstract

Background: Anemia remains a major public health problem among adolescent girls, and limited evidence regarding their knowledge in rural senior high schools in Indonesia may hinder the development of effective school-based prevention programs. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the level of knowledge regarding anemia among adolescent girls at SMAN 1 Cihaurbeuti, Ciamis, West Java, Indonesia. Methods: A descriptive quantitative study with a cross-sectional design was conducted from January to March 2026 involving all 46 eligible adolescent girls using a total sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing knowledge of anemia, including its definition, causes, signs and symptoms, consequences, and preventive measures. Data were analyzed descriptively and presented as frequencies and percentages. Results: Most respondents were 17 years old (46.8%) and had regular menstrual cycles (69.6%). Low adherence to iron supplementation was reported by 54.3% of respondents, while 39.1% had poor dietary patterns. Overall, 71.7% of respondents were not anemic, whereas 28.3% experienced varying degrees of anemia. Regarding knowledge, 19 respondents (41.3%) demonstrated good knowledge, 12 (26.1%) had moderate knowledge, and 15 (32.6%) had poor knowledge of anemia. Conclusion: Although most respondents demonstrated good knowledge regarding anemia, nearly one-third still had inadequate understanding. Strengthening school-based nutrition education and promoting adherence to iron supplementation programs are recommended to improve anemia prevention among adolescent girls.

Keywords

adolescent girls; anemia; iron supplementation; knowledge; nutrition education

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References

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.25157/ihc.v2i1.25335

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