Nurses Led Interventions to Combat Female Adolescents' Anemia: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background Anemia, which is mainly because of iron deficiency is a common social problem affecting millions of female adolescents all around the world with severe effects on cognitive development, educational attainment and long-term health. Multi-modal interventions such as supplementation, dietary diversification, and education are advised in accordance with the international targets to curb anemia. School and community nurses are key to the provision of such interventions. This system review will integrate the evidence on the efficacy of nurse-led interventions in preventing and managing anemia among female teenagers.

Methods A systematic review has been conducted in accordance with the Cochrane Handbook of Systematic Reviews of Interventions, utilizing PRISMA guidelines. The investigation was performed on PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CINAHL, and ProQuest from May 2021 to December 2025. Randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, and mixed-method research were incorporated in the investigations undertaken on female Adolescents aged 10 to 19 years. Quality assessment was conducted with techniques from the Joanna Briggs Institute.

Results:  6905 records identified, nine records were included. Structured health education, nutrition counseling, iron-folic acid supplementation, digital educational tools (e.g., mobile apps, games), and school-based programs were the most common interventions and are mostly implemented or overseen by nurses. The findings suggested that there were high levels of improvements in anemia-related knowledge, attitude, dietary habits, and adherence to supplementations. Some of the studies also showed beneficial impacts on hemoglobin levels and decreased prevalence of anemia.

Conclusion: Nurse-based interventions can be used to improve hematological outcomes, promote positive health behavior, and knowledge in teenage girls. To provide sustainable anemia prevention and control, it is important to integrate nurses into the school and community health programs. It is advisable that further studies should be conducted using rigor design, follow up, and well-articulated nursing roles to enhance the evidence base and implement policies.