Improving knowledge of iron deficiency anemia through a nurse-led educational program: A Quasi-experimental study among adolescent girls.

Abstract

Background: In India, iron deficiency anemia remains common among adolescent girls, with low awareness persisting despite school-based programs. In this context, we conducted a study to assess their knowledge and evaluate the effectiveness of a structured health promotion program on iron deficiency anemia among adolescent girls in a school.

Materials and methods: The study was conducted among 136 girls aged 12-15 years across 7^th, 8^th, and 9^th standard students selected without randomization. Participants attended a one-hour interactive health education session developed by the researchers, using video aids and lectures. Pre- and post-test assessments measured knowledge gains using a structured, validated questionnaire developed by the researchers. Outcomes were compared within participants using their own pre-intervention scores as the comparator, consistent with a quasi-experimental single-cohort design. All eligible students who were present on the day of the intervention and assessments were included. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, Cohen's d, and multivariable linear regression to explore predictors of improvement.

Results: Among 7^th standard students, mean scores increased from 6.23 to 13.34 (P < 0.001), followed by 8^th standard (6.96 to 12.90, P < 0.001) and the 9^th standard (7.82 to 10.45, P < 0.001) using R software. Multivariable regression further showed that lower income and younger grade level were associated with higher post-test gains.

Conclusion: Targeted, interactive school-based interventions can play a critical role in addressing persistent knowledge gaps on iron deficiency anemia among adolescent girls. In this study, a single nurse-led educational session produced significant improvements in knowledge, with the largest gains observed in younger students and those from lower-income households. These findings underscore the importance of tailoring health promotion content to the age, baseline understanding, and socioeconomic background of the learners. By leveraging their clinical expertise, community presence, and communication skills, nurses are uniquely positioned to deliver such context-specific interventions, bridging knowledge gaps early and fostering healthier behaviors that can help reduce the long-term burden of anemia.