Effect of Community-Based Nutrition Education on Knowledge of Anaemia Prevention Among Adolescent Girls in Plateau State

This study examines the effect of a community-based nutrition education programme on the knowledge of anaemia prevention among adolescent girls in Plateau State, North Central Nigeria. Iron-deficiency anaemia is highly prevalent among adolescent girls in sub-Saharan Africa, impairing cognitive function, academic performance, and reproductive health. The study employs a quasi-experimental design, targeting 220 girls aged 12 to 18 in Barkin Ladi and Mangu local government areas, divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group received an eight-week community-based nutrition education intervention delivered by trained Home Economics educators. Data were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire assessing anaemia-related knowledge before and after the intervention. Objectives include evaluating baseline knowledge levels, determining the effect of the intervention on anaemia prevention knowledge, and identifying factors moderating intervention effectiveness. Recent literature confirms that community-level nutrition education significantly improves adolescent girls' knowledge and attitudes toward iron-rich food consumption and supplement adherence. Data were analysed using paired t-test, ANOVA, and effect size calculation. The Social Learning Theory underpins the intervention design. Findings are anticipated to reveal significant knowledge gains in the experimental group compared to controls. Recommendations address the Plateau State Ministry of Health, community leaders, and Home Economics educators to institutionalise adolescent nutrition programmes. Keywords: nutrition education, anaemia prevention, adolescent girls, community-based intervention, Plateau State.