Main findings
The present study demonstrated that an interactive and multimodal nutrition education intervention on knowledge and attitude regarding anaemia among a sample of school-going adolescents in rural Karnataka, India is effective. We report a significant improvement in nutrition knowledge and awareness after the implementation of the intervention. IDIs with teachers and FGDs with students reveal high acceptance of the intervention and materials. Participants highlighted positive outcomes including an increase in their knowledge, a positive attitude towards behaviour change around diet and an increase in the demand for IFA supplements and dissemination of messages learnt with peers and families. Challenges expressed were related to the need for further training, time limitations, and hesitancy in talking and learning about information related to menstruation and pregnancy.