Anemia and Associated Factors Among Adolescent Girls in Weekly Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation Schools Versus Non‐Implemented Schools in Gog and Abobo Woreda, Southwest Ethiopia: A Comparative Cross‐Sectional Study

ABSTRACT Background Iron deficiency anemia is a significant public health concern for adolescent girls in Ethiopia, adversely affecting their health and development. While the Weekly Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation program has been implemented to address this problem, its effectiveness for this group is still unclear. By implementing various preventive strategies, including support from family members, the likelihood of developing anemia can be notably reduced, leading to improved health outcomes. However, there is a lack of information regarding high school students' awareness of anemia prevention and their dietary diversity in Ethiopia, especially in the study area. This study aims to assess the prevalence of anemia and its associated factors among high school students in selected woredas of the Gambelia Region in Southwest Ethiopia. Methods A comparative cross‐sectional study was conducted among high school students in selected woredas of Gambella Region. A total of 359 students were randomly chosen using a simple random sampling method. Data was gathered through a structured, pretested questionnaire administered by interviewers. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were carried out using SPSS version 23 to identify factors associated with the prevalence of anemia. Result The overall proportion of anemia among high school students was 28.4%, with approximately 22.9% in implemented schools and approximately 33.9% in non‐implemented schools, yielding a response rate of 97.09%. Had parasite infestation AOR = 3.622 (1.083, 12.113), father status AOR = 11.08 (1.47, 28.328), knowledge AOR = 7.566 (2.940, 19.47), health care access, AOR = 5.044 (1.806, 14.086) and body mass index AOR = 9.304 (3.000, 28.827) were significant factors associated with anemia among implemented schools. Number of family AOR = 6.216 (2.296, 16.824), health care access AOR = 4.022 (1.519, 9.10.646), food diversity AOR = 5.106 (2.309, 12.784), and body mass index AOR = 2.819 (1.046, 7.597) were also significant factors associated with anemia among non‐implemented schools. Conclusion The proportion of anemia prevalence among female high school students was high. Health care access, parasite infestation, knowledge, body mass index, food diversity, and number of families were significantly associated with anemia. Increasing healthcare accessibility and creating awareness about information sources for high school students about nutrient value will increase the prevention of anemia.