WHAT ARE THE FACTORS FOR ADOLESCENT GIRLS' COMPLIANCE REGARDING IRON CONSUMPTION : A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Adolescent girls are critical to national well-being, yet they face increased risks of iron deficiency and anemia due to physiological changes and poor dietary habits. Anemia can severely affect physical growth, cognitive function, and academic performance. In Indonesia, iron supplementation programs, such as the distribution of iron tablets, aim to combat this issue, but compliance remains low despite government efforts. This systematic review utilized the PICOS framework, focusing on adolescent girls (P), iron tablet consumption (I), comparing adherence versus non-adherence (C), and outcomes of anemia (O). The review analyzed observational studies published from 2019 to 2024, sourced from databases like PubMed and Google Scholar, to identify factors influencing adherence to iron supplementation. The review identified five relevant studies, all of high quality, that highlighted low compliance rates with iron supplementation among adolescent girls, despite various health initiatives. Factors influencing adherence included socio-cultural aspects, health literacy, and knowledge of anemia. Effective interventions, such as educational programs combined with monitoring, were found to enhance compliance. The findings reveal critical themes affecting adherence to iron supplementation among adolescent girls, including misconceptions about iron, cultural dietary influences, and the importance of education in improving health outcomes. Future health initiatives should prioritize comprehensive educational strategies to increase awareness of anemia and the necessity of iron consumption, ultimately aiming to enhance compliance and prevent anemia in this vulnerable demographic.