Concerned about the high rate of anemia, the academic community at Universitas ‘Aisyiyah (Unisa) Yogyakarta initiated the Gen Z – Iron Nutrition Education Program to Prevent Anemia in Sendangagung Village, Minggir, Sleman. This initiative is not only informative but also enjoyable and tailored to the characteristics of today’s generation.
“This idea emerged from our concern over the high prevalence of anemia, particularly among adolescent girls, which we identified through health department reports and field observations. Many adolescents lack understanding of the importance of iron and are reluctant to take iron supplements (TTD) due to insufficient education,” said Nursing Lecturer Hamudi Prasetiyo on Thursday (July 24, 2025).
Hamudi emphasized that anemia requires attention because it directly impacts academic performance, concentration, chronic fatigue, and even the risk of complications during future pregnancies. “Our interviews with health center staff and village officials revealed that many adolescents suffer from mild to moderate anemia but do not receive proper education or intervention. This has prompted the team to conduct more extensive screening and education,” said Hamudi.
The Gen Z Program – Iron Nutrition Education to Prevent Anemia in Sendangagung Village, Minggir has successfully received support from the Student Organization Capacity Building Program (PPK Ormawa) of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemendiktisaintek). This program will be implemented across disciplines at Unisa Yogyakarta, with the Nursing Program serving as the primary coordinator for health education and anemia screening. The Midwifery Program will focus on approaches targeting adolescent girls and education about the menstrual cycle and iron requirements.
“Of course, with students from the student organizations HIMIKA (Association of Nursing Students) and HIMABIDA (Association of Midwifery Students). The collaboration has been harmonious from the start. Nursing students handle general education and hemoglobin level screening, while midwifery students delve into adolescent reproductive health, menstrual health, and the impact of anemia on adolescent girls. We combine promotive and preventive approaches to reach the target group more effectively,” explained Hamudi.
Hamudi specifically mentioned that the supervising lecturers will play a central role in strengthening methodology, validating data, and overseeing fieldwork. They will guide the team in drafting proposals, mapping village potential, establishing communication with village partners, and assisting the team in monitoring and evaluation. Their role is crucial in maintaining the scientific integrity of this program.
Hamudi did not deny that there were a number of challenges faced when drafting the proposal. These included developing a comprehensive yet realistic program within a limited time frame, quickly and accurately mapping the needs of the village, creating innovative and engaging educational programs for Gen Z, and formulating measurable indicators of success.
Program implementation and expectations
The program will be implemented in Sendangagung Village, Minggir. This village was selected because it meets three important criteria. First, the high number of adolescents aged 10–19 in the area. Second, the low level of nutritional understanding and high rates of anemia based on data from the Minggir Health Center. Third, the support from local village officials who are open to community-based program collaboration. “Additionally, this village has not been extensively reached by similar programs, making our intervention more meaningful,” explained Hamudi.
The Gen Z Program – Iron Nutrition Education to Prevent Anemia in Sendangagung Village, Minggir, Sleman includes hemoglobin level screening for adolescents, Gen Z cadre training, and digital campaigns via Instagram and TikTok. Additionally, it involves the distribution of hemoglobin-boosting tablets, interactive education, parental education on adolescent nutrition, and the distribution of educational modules.
“We use an edutainment approach—education packaged in an enjoyable way with attractive visuals and concise infographics. Social media challenges (#GenZ), discussion classes with interactive quizzes, and storytelling from healthy teenage role models,” said Hamudi.
Through this program, it is hoped that in the short term, there will be an increase in teenagers’ knowledge about anemia and iron, the emergence of teenage volunteers concerned about anemia, and changes in the consumption of nutritious foods. In the long term, the goals include a reduction in the prevalence of anemia among teenagers, the independence of village volunteers in anemia education, and a program model that can be replicated in other villages.
The success of the program in the field will be assessed through pre-tests and post-tests to measure knowledge improvement. Additionally, monitoring of hemoglobin levels before and after the intervention will be conducted. Furthermore, focus group discussions (FGD) with cadres and village officials, documentation of activities, and testimonials from teenagers will be gathered. This program is also planned to be replicated in other villages.
“We have coordinated with neighboring villages such as Sidoagung. We are currently designing a replication proposal that can be submitted in the next PPK ORMAWA period or through the KKN Tematik scheme,” he said.
Benefits for students and support from Unisa
Hamudi said that through PPK ORMAWA, students will be trained to lead teams, divide roles, and take responsibility for the success of the program. Additionally, they are trained to be sensitive to community needs, able to listen, and adapt educational strategies to the local context.
“We hope this program continues to be strengthened as a means of character development for students. Programs like this prove that students can be real agents of change in society, not just academics on campus,” he hoped.
Hamudi also urged students to keep creating. Students need to have a sense of urgency, starting with small things. “Start with the small concerns around you. Don’t wait for perfection to act. With teamwork, faculty support, and a willingness to learn, students can create programs that are beneficial and impactful,” Hamudi said.
He also expressed his gratitude to Unisa Yogyakarta for providing various forms of support. Starting from proposal training and monitoring and evaluation, then guidance from PPK ORMAWA supervisors, initial program funding. In addition, there was also support for facilitating the publication of the program in internal and external media. “As well as administrative support,” said Hamudi.
