Identification of Anemia, Chronic Energy Deficiency, and Nutrition Counseling for Adolescent Girls at SMA Negeri 3 Kendari

Abstract

The identification of nutritional problems is a fundamental step in initiating policies to address nutrition-related issues. Nutrition education is a broad, multidimensional process aimed at changing community behavior so that healthy eating habits can be practiced in daily life (Supariasa, 2018). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the general objective of identifying nutritional problems is to determine the magnitude and severity of malnutrition in a particular area. Understanding the local nutritional status encourages the implementation of nutrition education programs that can lead to positive changes in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to food and nutrition. The objective of this community service activity was to assess the prevalence of anemia and chronic energy deficiency (CED) and to provide targeted education and assistance (nutrition counseling) for adolescent girls at SMA Negeri 3 Kendari. The program was conducted at SMA Negeri 3 Kendari, located in the Kassilampe sub-district. The subjects of the activity were female students from SMA Negeri 6 Kendari. The program was carried out over two days. On the first day, anthropometric measurements and blood sampling (hemoglobin tests) were conducted, followed by a nutrition education session on the second day. The results revealed that 67.2% of the adolescent girls were suffering from CED, while only 32.7% had normal nutritional status. In terms of anemia, 42.6% of the students were found to be anemic, and 57.3% had normal hemoglobin levels. These findings suggest that direct, school-based nutrition education interventions are an effective strategy to improve nutrition knowledge among adolescent girls, especially those affected by CED and anemia. Similar interventions should be carried out on a continuous basis and expanded to other schools.