Resumen de Improving iron intake through food-based recommendation education based on health belief model: a quasi-experimental study in rural Indonesia

Miratul Haya, Ayuk Farida Baliwati, Ali Khomsan, Dodik Briawan

• Introduction: Anaemia is associated with low iron intake as a result of inadequate food consumption patterns. Health belief model (HBM)-based education shapes positive perceptions toward anaemia prevention and food_based recommendatioan (FBR) provides guidance on the consumption of locally available iron-rich food.

  Objective: This study aims to analyse the effect of HBM-based FBR education on iron intake of anaemic female workers.

  Method: This study use a quasi-experimental design using a pretest-posttest control group, the research sample was 44 female workers who were divided into 2 groups. The research was conducted in February-September 2024. Data collection was carried out before and after the intervention, the intervention provided was FBR education and nutrition education for 12 weeks. Hypothesis testing using T-test and ANCOVA.

  Results: HBM-based FBR education intervention significantly increased iron intake (mean increase of 10.96 mg: p<0.05) after controlling for covariates. Knowledge and attitude also improved significantly in the treatment group compared to the control (p<0.05) and the level of compliance with food consumption according to FBR reached 86.4%.

  Conclusion: The implementation of FBR based on local food consumption patterns and supported by the HBM approach has an effect on increasing knowledge, attitudes and iron intake of female workers.