Teenager Donor Model of Youth Empowerment in The Prevention of Anemia and Stunting

Abstract

Background: Adolescent anemia remains a major public health concern in Indonesia contributes to an increased risk of stunting in future generations. Limited knowledge regarding anemia, balanced nutrition, reproductive health, voluntary blood donation highlights the need for sustainable youth empowerment strategies. The Youth Blood Donor Preparedness Program was developed to enhance adolescents’ knowledge, awareness, engagement in anemia, stunting prevention. Objective: To improve adolescents’ knowledge  awareness of anemia, stunting, balanced nutrition, reproductive health, voluntary blood donation through the establishment of Youth Blood Donor Preparedness cadres. Methods: This community service program was conducted in July 2026 in Karangkulon, Wukirsari, Imogiri, Bantul Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta. A total of 50 adolescents aged 15–19 years participated in activities consisting of preparation and stakeholder coordination, health education, health screening, and cadre formation. Educational sessions were delivered through interactive lectures, discussions, question answer activities, educational games. Health screening included measurements of body weight, height, body mass index, hemoglobin levels. Program evaluation was conducted using pretest and posttest questionnaires, the results were analyzed descriptively. Results: The participants’ knowledge and understanding of anemia, stunting, balanced nutrition, reproductive health, and voluntary blood donation. Health screening adolescents at risk of anemia nutritional, enabling individualized education counseling. Youth Blood Donor Preparedness cadres were successfully established as peer educators. Conclusion: The Youth Blood Donor Preparedness Program effectively enhanced adolescents’ knowledge through education, health screening, cadre development, has the potential to serve as a sustainable youth empowerment model for anemia and stunting prevention.