Enhancing Hemoglobin Levels and Macro-Micronutrient Intake Through the Well-Being Workshop of First 8000 Days of Life

Introduction: Chronic malnutrition is a major source of concern in the malnutrition community. Addressing nutritional needs that are inappropriate for pre-conception adolescents in the first 8000 days of life is a trigger for anemia and stunting in children later in life. The authors developed The Well-Being Workshop of First 8000 Days of Life. This study compared the hemoglobin levels and macro-micro nutrient intake of female adolescents before and after the well-being workshop of first 8000 days of life and their assistance. Methods: An experimental design, within group method, with an equivalent time series design, and 3 times interventions were carried out. A hundred female adolescents aged 14-19 years Yogyakarta city were assigned to this study. All respondents underwent a pretest and posttest before and after being given interventions of well-being workshop. On completion of the three times workshop, blood sampling of haemoglobin level and food record were collected analyzed. In total, the data was collected 3 times after each workshop was held. The data generated was processed using a paired t test. Results: The average hemoglobin level in female adolescents has increased from the first to the fourth examination, with a standard limit value (> 12.0 gr/dL), but the average of macro and micronutrients intake, as assessed using the Nutrisurvey, is below the standard threshold value. A paired T-test revealed a significant difference within the increase in Hb levels on all examinations. The analysis of macronutrients showed that only fiber had a significant difference before and after a series of well-being workshops of first 8000 days of life interventions, i.e. the first and second examinations. Meanwhile the micronutrient analysis, only iron and zinc there were significant differences before and after being given a series of workshops. Conclusions: "The well-being workshops of first 8000 days of life" can be considered in changing the eating behavior of female adolescents to increase hemoglobin levels.