A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Planned Teaching Programme on Prevention of Iron Deficiency Anemia among Adolescent Girls in Selected Schools at Thiruvannamalai

Abstract

Background: Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia. Iron deficiency usually results from less iron intake in the diet, excessive menstrual bleeding, gastro intestinal tract bleeding and other factors. India has highest prevalence of iron deficiency anemia among women in the world, including 60–70% of adolescent girls who are anemic (hemoglobin <12 gm). Anemia among adolescent girls can result in adverse outcomes, reduced work productivity and impaired physical capabilities. Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of planned teaching programme on prevention of iron deficiency anemia among adolescent girls. Design: Pre-experimental design, one group pre-test and post-test design was adopted for the study. Setting: Selected schools at Thiruvannamalai. Participants: 50 adolescent girls who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were selected by purposive sampling. Methods: A pre-test was conducted by using knowledge questionnaire related to iron deficiency anemia. Osteoarthritis. Immediately after pre-test, planned teaching program was given to the adolescent girls to teach about prevention of iron deficiency anemia and post-test was conducted to assess the effectiveness of planned teaching program. Collected data was analysed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Overall mean score percentage of pre-test knowledge regarding prevention of iron deficiency anemia was 30.3%, and the post-test knowledge mean score percentage score was 65.7%. This shows the post-test score of adolescent girls was found significantly higher and the difference between pre and post knowledge score was 35.4%. This showed that the planned teaching program was effective in improving the knowledge of adolescent girls on prevention of iron deficiency anemia. There was statistically no significant association found between the post-test scores of the sample with their demographic variables. Conclusion: The findings imply that, there was a need for educating adolescent girls on prevention of anemia. Education should be extended to parents and school peer leaders to address the health needs of adolescent girls.