Jurnal Ilmiah Kesehatan Sandi Husada (JIKSH)
Vol. 15 No. 1 (2026): January - June

When Knowledge Is Not Enough: The Role of Attitude in Anemia Preventive Behavior Among Adolescents

Ledy Ervita (Unknown)
Wulida Litaqia (Unknown)
Devi Harmita (Unknown)
Yusriani Saleh Baso (Unknown)
Hanafi (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
28 Mar 2026

Abstract

Introduction: Adolescent anemia remains a significant public health concern affecting physical growth, cognitive performance, and long-term productivity. Despite ongoing school-based iron supplementation programs, preventive behaviors remain suboptimal. Behavioral determinants, particularly within the Knowledge Attitude Practice (KAP) framework, may explain this gap. This study aimed to identify factors associated with anemia preventive behavior among adolescents and to determine which behavioral determinant independently predicts preventive practice. Research Methodology: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 84 12th-grade students in West Kalimantan, Indonesia. Data were collected using a validated 15-item KAP questionnaire adapted from FAO guidelines. Descriptive statistics were applied, followed by Chi-square and Fisher’s Exact tests. Binary logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors, with p < 0.05 as the threshold for statistical significance. Results: Most respondents demonstrated good knowledge (89.3%), positive attitudes (91.7%), and good preventive practices (70.2%). Bivariate analysis showed that attitude was significantly associated with preventive practice (p = 0.012), whereas knowledge was not (p = 0.293). Multivariate analysis confirmed that attitude remained the only independent predictor (OR = 6.624; p = 0.033). Adolescents with positive attitudes were 6.6 times more likely to demonstrate good preventive behavior. Conclusion: Attitude was independently associated with anemia-preventive behavior, whereas knowledge alone did not significantly influence practice. These findings imply that school-based and nursing interventions should prioritize strengthening positive attitudes and motivational engagement to promote sustainable anemia prevention behaviors.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jiksh

Publisher

Subject

Health Professions Medicine & Pharmacology Nursing Public Health

Description

The scope of this journal includes research that intends to review and understand nursing health care interventions and health policies that utilize advanced nursing research from an Asian perspective. The Sandi Husada Health Scientific Journal publishes research related to clinical, community, and ...