Background: Anemia remains a significant public health problem among adolescent girls, particularly in developing countries. In Indonesia, Islamic boarding schools represent a unique setting where the prevalence of anemia is high and adherence to weekly iron–folic acid (IFA) supplementation as a preventive program is often suboptimal. Understanding the behavioral determinants of anemia prevention is crucial for improving compliance. Methods: A qualitative descriptive study with a phenomenological approach was conducted in an Islamic boarding school in Makassar, Indonesia, identified as having a high prevalence of anemia based on prior school health screening records. Participants were 14 female students (16–18 years) and five teachers selected purposively. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, transcribed verbatim, coded thematically using MAXQDA 24, and analyzed based on TPB constructs: attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. Results: The findings revealed limited knowledge of anemia and the preventive role of IFA supplementation, with many students associating anemia primarily with fatigue and dizziness. Perceptions of susceptibility and seriousness were low, and adherence to the recommended weekly IFA tablet regimen was inconsistent, often limited to when tablets were distributed at school. Significant barriers included unpleasant side effects, forgetfulness, and lack of self-efficacy, while social support from teachers and parents was insufficient. Information sources such as peers, teachers, and social media served as cues to action but were not strong enough to sustain behavioral change. Conclusion: Adolescent girls in Islamic boarding schools demonstrated low awareness and irregular practices of anemia prevention. Educational interventions grounded in the TPB framework, combined with consistent school-based weekly IFA (WIFAS) implementation and family involvement, are needed to strengthen motivation, social support, and self-efficacy in preventing anemia.
Suprapti et al. (Sun,) studied this question.