Cultural Insights and Local Food Traditions in Designing Health Literacy Tools for Anemia Prevention

Abstract

Background: iron deficiency anaemia is a significant health problem, especially in women of reproductive age and brides-to-be. Behavioural factors, culture, and local food utilisation play an important role in anaemia prevention efforts. Educational media such as leaflets based on local culture can improve health literacy.Aim: to review the literature on the influence of behaviour, culture and local food in the development of a health literacy leaflet for anaemia prevention.Methods: this study used descriptive literature review method with PRISMA approach. Data were collected from four major databases (PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, and Google Scholar) using relevant keywords. Inclusion criteria included articles published in the last 10 years (2014-2024) related to health literacy and anaemia prevention.Results: the 29 articles reviewed, it was found that leaflet-based education with content adapted to local culture was effective in improving community knowledge and behaviour towards anaemia prevention. Some studies highlighted the importance of utilising local foods such as green leafy vegetables, seaweed, and local meat as sources of iron.Conclusion: the use of local culture-based health literacy leaflets can be an effective strategy in the prevention of anaemia in brides-to-be. Interventions that consider cultural factors and community behaviour are expected to increase the effectiveness of health literacy programmes in a sustainable manner.

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