Journal of Public Health for Tropical and Coastal Region
Vol 8, No 3 (2025): Journal of Public Health for Tropical and Coastal Region

Application of the Health Belief Model in Adherence to Iron Supplement Consumption Among Female Students at Universitas Diponegoro

Alif, Dzaki Aziz Naufal (Unknown)
Prabamurti, Priyadi Nugraha (Unknown)
Handayani, Novia (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Dec 2025

Abstract

Introduction: Anemia, a deficiency of red blood cells, is common in adolescent girls. The Indonesian government has an iron supplement program targeting school-aged girls. Female university students are not included. Consequently, iron supplement intake depends on individual choices. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with adherence to iron supplement consumption as a preventive measure against anemia among female students at Universitas Diponegoro.Methods: This was a quantitative study with a cross-sectional approach using interviews and questionnaires. The sample of this study was 384 respondents from 33,156 female students of Universitas Diponegoro in 11 faculties and one vocational school using the proportional sampling method, with the inclusion criteria being active diploma/undergraduate students who consented. This study employed univariate and bivariate analyses using chi-square tests.Results: The results indicated a significant relationship between iron supplement adherence and knowledge of anemia (p=0.001), knowledge of iron tablet consumption (p=0.001), perceived susceptibility (p=0.001), perceived severity (p=0.001), perceived benefits (p=0.001), perceived barriers (p=0.001), self-efficacy (p=0.001), and cues to action (p=0.001). However, no significant relationships were found between iron supplement adherence and age (p=0.570), level of study (p=0.127), allowance (p=0.958), or place of residence (p=0.793).Conclusion: Knowledge of anemia, knowledge of iron tablet consumption, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, self-efficacy, and cues to action are associated with iron supplement adherence among female students at Universitas Diponegoro in Semarang.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jphtr

Publisher

Subject

Description

Journal of Public Health for Tropical and Coastal Region (JPHTCR) is an open access journal on public health as discipline and practices related to preventive and promoting measures to enhance health of the public in tropical and coastal regions. This focus includes area and scope such as ...