The impact of nutrition education on knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding iron deficiency anemia among female adolescent students in Jordan

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 (p ≤ .05) post-program. Additionally, the total KAP scores within the intervention group showed significant increase from pre- to post-test (p ≤ .05). 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.