Anemia Prevention Education for Young Girls in Sungai Alang Village
Banjar – Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM), through its Compulsory Lecturer Service Program (PDWA), held a health education program to prevent anemia in young girls in Sungai Alang Village. Led by lecturers from the Public Health Study Program, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FKIK), the activity was attended by 34 young women and received a positive response from the community and village officials.
The head of the community service team, Siti Aisyah Solechah, SKG., M.Si., explained that anemia remains a serious problem even though most young girls in the village have received iron supplements (IBT).
“The problem arises from a lack of knowledge about the benefits of IBT and poor habits, such as frequently forgetting to take them. Through this education, we hope that young people will understand the causes of anemia and the importance of IBT as a preventative measure,” she said.
In this activity, participants received interactive material on anemia, its symptoms, and the benefits of iron supplements. The material was delivered using a lecture method, accompanied by presentation slides and a pocket book for easy understanding.
“We deliberately created engaging materials so that young women would not only understand but also apply them in their daily lives,” added Aisyah.
To gauge understanding, the committee conducted pre- and post-tests. The results showed a significant increase in participants’ knowledge. Some of the young people even committed to becoming agents of change by spreading information about anemia prevention to their friends and family.
The ULM lecturer team involved, in addition to Siti Aisyah, included Fahrini Yulidasari, SKM., MPH., Muhammad Irwan Setiawan, SGz., MGz., Ihya Hazairin Noor, SKM., MPH., and Vina Yulia Anhar, SKM., MPH. The activity also involved students and was supported by two accompanying lecturers: Husnul Fatimah, SKM., M.Kes. and Izal Puji Santoso, SKM., M.Kes.
The Sungai Alang Village administration expressed its appreciation for this activity and hopes that outreach activities will continue.
“We hope this ULM program will have a positive impact, especially on the health of young women in our village,” said the local village head.
Through this community service program, ULM affirms its commitment to improving the health of the younger generation, while also encouraging the creation of a healthier, anemia-free village.
