This study aims to evaluate the effect of the Face-to-face Assisted Counselling with Enhanced Application School-Based Approach (FACE-APPS-Based Approach) on anemia indicators among female adolescents.
The study is a prospective, randomized controlled trial. A total of 160 female adolescents with hemoglobin levels below 12.0 g/dL will be recruited from 7 secondary schools. Random assignment at the individual level, stratified by baseline anemia status, will be used to ensure balance. For participants in the intervention group, the intervention will be designed by an interdisciplinary team and administered over 4 months, comprising 8 face-to-face counseling sessions and 8 parallel mobile application modules. Control group participants will receive standard care (diagnosis and referral). The primary outcomes are the mean differences in hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels. Secondary outcomes are engagement among female adolescents (attendance at counseling sessions and completion of mobile application modules).
Adolescent females aged 14-17 years
who are attending high school
who have haemoglobin levels <12 mg/dl and serum ferritin levels below 15 μg/L
Adolescents have other causes of anemia, such as thalassemia and sickle cell anemia, and malaria will be excluded.
Adolescents with chronic diseases that affect iron metabolism (e.g., chronic kidney disease) or other severe illnesses or conditions that may interfere with active participation.
Pregnant females will be excluded (if included in the age group).
Adolescents with gastrointestinal ulcers, colon polyps, or cancers; celiac disease; Crohn's disease; or gastric bypass surgery.
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Saudi ArabiaCairo University
Lead sponsor
Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University
Collaborator
Ain Shams University
Collaborator
Northern Border University
Collaborator