Effect of Structured Teaching Programme on Level of Knowledge on Iron Deficiency Anemia and Prevention of Anemia among Adolescent Girls in selected Higher Secondary School, Thrissur

Introduction: Iron deficiency anemia develops when body stores of iron drop too low to support normal red blood cell (RBC) production. Anemia is currently one of the most common and intractable nutrional problems globally. The requirement of iron in doubles during adolscence as compared to younger age group. Following growth spurt, the risk of iron deficiency anemia continues to be a public concern. Objectives: To assess the effect of structured teaching programme on level of knowledge on iron deficiency anemia among adolescent girls and to associate the level of knowledge of iron deficiency anemia and prevention of anemia among adolescent girls with selected socio demographic and clinical data variables. Methodology: Pre- experimental, one group pre-test post-test design was used. 40 samples were selected by purposive sampling. Pre-test was conducted on 1st day followed by structured teaching programme on iron-deficiency anemia and prevention of anemia and post test was conducted on 4th day. Results: The socio demographic and clinical data variables reveals that the adolescent girls 30(75%) belonged to the age group of 16 years. All adolescent girls had education level of 11th standard 40(100%), more than half of the adolescent girls 21(52.5%) belonged to Hindu religion, majority of the adolescent girls 34 (85%) belonged to nuclear family. Majority of the adolescent girls 24 (60%) lives in rural area, more than half of adolescent girls 21(52.5%) attained menarche at the age of 13 years or less and all the adolescent girls 40(100%) have a mixed type of dietary pattern. In the pre-test, none of the samples 40(100%) had adequate knowledge and 38(95%) samples had inadequate knowledge on iron deficiency anemia and prevention of anemia. There was a significant difference between the pre-test and post test level of knowledge on iron deficiency anemia and prevention of anemia among adolescent girls. There was no significant association between the level of knowledge on iron deficiency anemia and prevention of anemia with socio-demographic and clinical data variables. Conclusion: The study concluded that structured teaching programme is an effective method to improve the knowledge regarding iron deficiency anemia and prevention of anemia among adolescent girls.