Anaemia and adherence to weekly iron-folic acid supplementation among female senior high school students in stunting-risk areas of Ambon city, Indonesia.

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVES

Weekly iron-folic acid (IFA) supplementation has been implemented in Indonesia to reduce the prevalence of anaemia in adolescent girls. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of anaemia and adherence to weekly IFA supplementation and their associated factors among adolescent girls in senior high schools in two high-stunting-prone areas of Ambon City, Indonesia.

METHODS AND STUDY

DESIGN

This cross-sectional study was conducted in August-September 2023, involving 645 adolescent girls enrolled at five senior high schools in two high-stunting-prone areas of Ambon City, namely Poka-Rumah Tiga and Laha Village. The dependent variables were anaemia (i.e., haemoglobin level <12 g/dL) and adherence to weekly IFA supplementation (i.e., consumption of one IFA tablet per week). Factors associated with anaemia and adherence to weekly IFA supplementation were examined using logistic regression.

RESULTS

Of 645 ado-lescent girls surveyed, 19.7% had anaemia, and 19.5% consumed weekly IFA tablets. The likelihood of developing anaemia was associated with respondents with a high level of awareness of anaemia (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.73, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.16-2.57). Adherence to taking weekly IFA tablets increased in those with a high level of awareness of IFA supplementation (aOR = 3.88, 95%CI: 2.46-6.10).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study showed that anaemia among adolescent girls represents a moderate to high public health problem, accompanied by low adherence to weekly IFA supplementation among adolescent girls in these areas. Strengthening school-based supplementation, parental engagement, and supply monitoring could enhance programme effectiveness and inform local health policies in Ambon City and other similar settings in Indonesia.