HIGH SCHOOL FEMALE STUDENTS’ ADHERENCE TO IRON FOLIC ACID SUPPLEMENT CONSUMPTION AND HEMOGLOBIN IMPROVEMENT

Anemia in adolescent girls is still a problem and adherence to iron-folate intake hinders the success of the Weekly Iron Folic Acid Supplementation (WIFAS) program. This study aimed to analyze the differences in the levels of adherence to iron folic acid supplementation among high-school girl in Depok City and their impact on hemoglobin (Hb) levels. A quasi experimental design was delivered by providing capacity building training, formation anti-anemia squad and technical assistance for WIFAS program implementation. Eating pattern of food sources containing iron inhibitors and enhancer measurement was carried out using the food frequency question method. Analysis of the effectiveness of interventions on improving compliance and hemoglobin levels were measured using the Difference in Difference Technique. Six sample schools and 5 control schools were selected by the purposive sampling technique involving 416 high school female students. After intervention, there was a significant difference in high school girl’s adherence to consume WIFAS and hemoglobin level between subject school and control school (mean ± standard deviation (SD) adherence score of subject school = 4.31±1.45; mean ± SD adherence score of control school = 3.92± 1.51; p = 0.008 while mean ± SD Hb level in subject school = 12.45 ± 1.72 g/dl, mean ± SD Hb level in control school =11.89 ± 1.66 g/dl; p = 0.001). Moreover, there was an increase in high school female student’s compliance with iron folate intake by 9.3% and improved their Hb levels by 5.97% compared to control schools. Face to face school readiness training, the formation of anti-anemic squad and technical assistance can improve high school girl’s compliance and improve their hemoglobin levels. There is a need to maintain intervention efforts periodically alongside monitoring and technical assistance from health workers.