Evaluating Face-to-Face Counseling with Mobile App to Improve Iron Deficiency Anemia in Female Adolescents Aged 14 to 17

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to assess the effect of the Face-to-face Assisted Counselling with Enhanced Application School-Based Approach FACE-APPS-Based Approach on anemia indicators among female adolescents aged 14 to 17 years. The study focuses on iron deficiency anemia, a significant health issue especially in adolescent girls due to growth, nutrition needs, and menstruation. Conducted as a randomized controlled trial, it targets female adolescents in marginalized communities with low hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels to explore ways to improve their health outcomes. Participants are randomly assigned to an intervention or control group. The intervention group receives 8 face-to-face counseling sessions at school and completes 8 mobile app modules over 4 months. Counseling sessions last 60 to 90 minutes and are led by a researcher and nurse, while app modules include self-learning and quizzes. Support like app reminders and peer discussions is provided. The control group receives standard care, including diagnosis and referral through routine medical insurance services. Throughout the study, participants undergo assessments of hemoglobin and serum ferritin at baseline, after the 4-month intervention, and at a 6-month follow-up to measure sustained effects. The study also tracks attendance at counseling sessions and completion of app modules to gauge engagement. Additional evaluations include health promotion profiles. The total participation period spans approximately 10 months, including follow-up, with careful monitoring of behavioral and biological outcomes related to anemia.

FACE-APPS-Based Approach for Improving Iron Deficiency Anaemia Indicators Among Female Adolescents at Marginalized Communities