<![CDATA[Background: Anemia is a condition in which hemoglobin (Hb) levels are below the normal level. In Sukoharjo Regency, 36.9% of the population suffers from anemia. The main cause of anemia is iron deficiency. A lack of dietary variety is also associated with poor eating habits, which contribute to anemia. Lack of knowledge leads to inappropriate food choices. One way to reduce anemia is through peer counseling. Peer counseling was chosen as an intervention because the peer-led approach has been shown to be more effective in increasing knowledge and changing nutritional behavior in adolescents than conventional educational methods.Objectives: To examine the effect of peer counseling on nutritional intake and knowledge level of adolescent girls with anemiaMethods: This study was conducted at SMAN 1 Mojolaban and SMAN 1 Kartasura from June to August 2025. A sample of 136 adolescent girls with anemia was selected using purposive sampling. Data on knowledge levels were collected through questionnaires, and nutrient intake was assessed using SQ-FFQ interviews. The study employed a quantitative (quasi-experimental) design with a pre-post-test control group. Data were analyzed using the paired-sample t-test, Wilcoxon test, and Mann–Whitney U test.Results: The intervention group showed significant increases in knowledge (57.87±5.94→90.44±6.95) and all nutrient intakes (p<0.05). The control group showed limited improvement, significant only in protein intake (p<0.05). Significant differences were found between groups in knowledge and nutrient intake (p<0.05).Conclusion: Peer counseling has an impact on the knowledge levels and nutrient intake of anemia adolescent girls]]>
