Improving Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) Prevention and Management Strategies in Indonesia: An Expert Opinion

Background Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) remains a significant public health challenge in Indonesia, particularly in pregnant women and female adolescents. The Indonesian government has implemented several prevention and management programs, such as providing iron-folic acid tablets to female adolescents and pregnant women, initiating early health promotion to infants and pregnant women, conducting nutritional education to pregnant women, and providing supplementary feeding to pregnant women. However, the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in these groups remains significant and some of the strategies haven’t been successfully and effectively implemented. Stemming from this issue and gaps, qualitative insights and opinions from relevant experts are crucial for the improvement of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) prevention and management strategies in Indonesia. Objectives This qualitative study discussed the expert opinions regarding iron deficiency anemia (IDA) prevention and management strategies in Indonesia. Methods A qualitative study on expert opinions regarding iron deficiency anemia (IDA) involving 11 participants selected through purposive sampling among those who have expertise in women’s and children’s health, nutrition, clinical psychology, and education in a 90-minute online Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was done. The main themes identified were the importance and urgency of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) status assessment, behavior modification-oriented health education, and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) prevention in pregnant women and female adolescents. Data were transcribed and analyzed using NVIVO 12. Results The key recommendations from the experts' discussion for a holistic approach to prevent and manage iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in Indonesian pregnant women and female adolescents were: (1) By emphasizing iron deficiency anemia (IDA) status assessment prior to supplementation with ferritin test as indicators, hoping that the targets can be detected and receive interventions as early and accurately as possible. (2) Behavior modification-oriented health education by analyzing the target's level of knowledge and comprehension of iron deficiency anemia (IDA), potential challenges, and factors that can encourage preventive behavior against iron deficiency anemia (IDA), implementing preventive measures against iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and supportive social environments, and providing health education with the involvement of supportive social environments. (3) Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) prevention strategies in pregnant women and female adolescents by consumption of foods rich in iron and/or rich in iron enhancers, as well as avoiding foods that contain iron inhibitors and the iron-folic acid tablets consumption adherence. Conclusion Effective iron deficiency anemia (IDA) prevention and management strategies include ferritin-based iron status assessment prior to supplementation, behavior modification-oriented health education, dietary interventions, and iron supplementation adherence. Nevertheless, the government’s commitment to support and fund the programs is also crucial in order to achieve the desired outcomes.