Optimizing iron-folic acid tablet consumption with banana provision among adolescent girls at daar el qoriin islamic boarding school

Anemia remains a public health problem among adolescent girls in Indonesia, driven by low iron intake, rapid growth, menstrual blood loss, and suboptimal adherence to iron-folic acid (IFA) tablets. This community service activity aimed to improve knowledge of anemia and IFA tablets among 28 adolescent girls (Grades 7–9) at Daar El Qoriin Islamic Boarding School, Serang, Banten. Using the Adolescent Community Midwifery Care (Ausekrem) approach, the activity combined interactive education (lecture, discussion, and question-and-answer supported by leaflets and a banner), distribution and mentoring of IFA tablet consumption, and provision of banana as a companion food. Knowledge was measured with pre-test and post-test questionnaires, and satisfaction with a participant survey. Before the activity, 4 participants (14.3%) had good knowledge, 15 (53.6%) moderate, and 9 (32.1%) low. Afterwards, 23 (82.1%) had good knowledge, 5 (17.9%) moderate, and none low, achieving the success indicator of at least 80% good knowledge. Mean satisfaction was 35.5 of 40 (88.75%), categorized as very satisfied, and all participants stated their commitment to take IFA tablets regularly. Interactive education combined with IFA tablet mentoring and a simple companion food was well accepted in the boarding-school setting; follow-up monitoring of adherence and hemoglobin is recommended.```