Abu-Baker Nesrin N, Eyadat Anwar M, Khamaiseh Abdullah M
Faculty of Nursing, Community and Mental Health Nursing Department, Jordan University of Science & Technology, P.O. Box 3030, Irbid 22110, Jordan.
Faculty of Nursing, Community and Mental Health Nursing Department, Mutah University, 61710, P.O.Box 7, Al-Karak, Jordan.
Heliyon. 2021 Feb 27;7(2):e06348. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06348. eCollection 2021 Feb.
Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a crucial health issue and the most common nutritional deficiency-related problem that affects many adolescents worldwide. Considering its link with the lack of appropriate knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP), it could be preventable. The aims of this study were (1) assessing hemoglobin levels of female adolescent students, (2) examining their knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding IDA, and (3) evaluating the effect of a nutrition education program on the same. A quasi-experimental design (pretest-posttest control group) involving 363 students from four public secondary schools in Jordan was used. Two schools formed the intervention group (n = 194) and two formed the control group (n = 169). Blood tests for hemoglobin levels and self-report questionnaires were the measures employed. A month-long nutrition education program was conducted with the intervention group. The results revealed that 44.5% of the sample had mild anemia, and 10% had moderate anemia. In terms of knowledge, attitude, and practice, 52.4% exhibited adequate knowledge, 45% engaged in healthy practices, and 42.7% had a positive attitude toward IDA. The intervention group's total KAP scores were significantly higher than the control group () post-program. Additionally, the total KAP scores within the intervention group showed significant increase from pre- to post-test It can be concluded that structured educational intervention effectively improves knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding IDA among adolescent females. Health care professionals must not only be oriented about this health problem among this age group, but also be supported to enable their intervention within a school setting.
缺铁性贫血（IDA）是一个关键的健康问题，也是影响全球众多青少年的最常见的营养缺乏相关问题。鉴于其与缺乏适当知识、态度和行为（KAP）之间的关联，它是可以预防的。本研究的目的是：（1）评估女性青少年学生的血红蛋白水平；（2）检查他们关于缺铁性贫血的知识、态度和行为；（3）评估营养教育计划对上述方面的影响。采用了准实验设计（前测-后测对照组），涉及约旦四所公立中学的363名学生。两所学校组成干预组（n = 194），两所学校组成对照组（n = 169）。采用血红蛋白水平血液检测和自我报告问卷作为测量方法。对干预组实施了为期一个月的营养教育计划。结果显示，44.5%的样本患有轻度贫血，10%患有中度贫血。在知识、态度和行为方面，52.4%表现出足够的知识，45%采取了健康行为，42.7%对缺铁性贫血持积极态度。干预组的KAP总分在计划实施后显著高于对照组（）。此外，干预组内的KAP总分从前测到后测有显著增加。可以得出结论，结构化教育干预有效地改善了青少年女性关于缺铁性贫血的知识、态度和行为。医疗保健专业人员不仅必须了解该年龄组中的这一健康问题，而且还必须得到支持，以便能够在学校环境中进行干预。
