Overview of Nutritional Status And Anemia Prevalence In Adolescent Females In Sidoarjo District

Abstract

Background: Nutritional status and anemia are important health issues that significantly affect adolescent girls. Adolescence is a critical period for growth and development, so poor nutritional status can have long-term impacts on health and quality of life. Anemia and poor nutritional status in adolescent girls can have an impact when they become prospective mothers, namely at risk of pregnancy with chronic energy deficiency (CED). Pregnant women with CED are at risk of giving birth to babies with low birth weight (LBW). LBW babies are at risk of stunting. Objective: This study aims to describe the nutritional status and incidence of anemia in adolescent girls. Method: This study used a descriptive approach with a cross-sectional design. The study sample consisted of 241 female adolescents aged 14-18 years old taken from 2 senior high schools in Sidoarjo Regency. Data were collected through anthropometric measurements (height and weight) and blood sampling for hemoglobin analysis. Results: The results showed that 24% of female adolescents were malnourished, characterized by a body mass index (BMI) below the normal limit. Of the 24%, 14.5% were in the mild wasting category and 9.5% in the severe wasting category. The incidence of anemia among the sample was 46.9%, with an average hemoglobin level significantly lower than the standard reference value. Of the 46.9%, 23.7% were in the mild anemia category, 20.3% in the moderate anemia category, and 2.9% in the severe anemia category. Conclusion: Suboptimal nutritional status and anemia are common health problems among adolescent girls. Interventions that emphasize improving dietary patterns, iron supplementation, and health education need to be prioritized to improve nutritional status and prevent anemia among adolescent girls.