FACE-APPS-Based Approach for Improving Iron Deficiency Anaemia Indicators Among Female Adolescents at Marginalized Communities

Summary

This study aims to evaluate the effect of the Face-to-face Assisted Counselling with Enhanced Application School-Based Approach (FACE-APPS-Based Approach) on anemia indicators among female adolescents.

The study is a prospective, randomized controlled trial. A total of 160 female adolescents with hemoglobin levels below 12.0 g/dL will be recruited from 7 secondary schools. Random assignment at the individual level, stratified by baseline anemia status, will be used to ensure balance. For participants in the intervention group, the intervention will be designed by an interdisciplinary team and administered over 4 months, comprising 8 face-to-face counseling sessions and 8 parallel mobile application modules. Control group participants will receive standard care (diagnosis and referral). The primary outcomes are the mean differences in hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels. Secondary outcomes are engagement among female adolescents (attendance at counseling sessions and completion of mobile application modules).

Conditions

• Iron Deficiency Anemia
• Digital Health Literacy
• Health Promotion Model (HPM)

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

FACE-APPS-Based Approach

This research is based on Pender's Health Promotion Model (HPM). It provides a comprehensive framework for influencing health-promoting behaviors in adolescents by leveraging cognitive, behavioral, and environmental factors. Pender's HPM asserts that health behaviors are shaped not only by knowledge but also by individual characteristics, behavior-specific cognitions, emotions, and commitment to action. Together, these lead to health-promoting behaviors and positive health outcomes. The model includes key factors such as age, socioeconomic status, parental education, baseline nutritional status, menstrual history, and existing medical conditions. These characteristics shape adolescents' perceptions and willingness to change behavior. The intervention will be delivered over 8 counselling sessions with the adolescents at schools and 8 modules of a mobile application. Each counselling session lasts 60-90 minutes. The sessions will be conducted by a researcher and a trained nurse.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University

  collaborator OTHER

• Ain Shams University

  collaborator OTHER

• Northern Border University

  collaborator OTHER

• Cairo University

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

14 Years

Max Age

14 Years

Sex

FEMALE

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-05-24

Primary Completion

2026-11-30

Completion

2026-11-30

Countries

• Saudi Arabia