Consumption of Iron Supplement and Anemia Among Indonesian Adolescent Girls

BACKGROUND: Anemia is one of nutritional problem in Indonesia, especially in society with low socioeconomic status. There are many factors that can cause anemia, including poor intake of iron rich food and also iron supplement.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze consumption of iron supplement and anemia among adolescent girls.

METHODS: This research used cross sectional design involving 251 adolescent girls in Lamongan District, Indonesia. Data on iron supplement intake was measured using questionnaire, food intake was measured using food record and hemoglobin level measured by Quik-Check hemoglobinmeter (Acon Laboratories.inc). Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation test.

RESULTS: The average hemoglobin level of respondents was 13.43 ± 1.4 g/dl. The prevalence of anemia among adolescent girls was 13.9%. The average student energy intake was still below the normal Nutrition Adequacy Rate for adolescent girl aged 15 – 18 years old (2125 Kcal per day). The test results using the Pearson Correlation test indicate that the only food intake variables that has significant relationship with hemoglobin levels was energy intake (p=0.02). Their current practice of consuming iron supplementation from government program as well as voluntary or purchased supplement was lacking. However, they did consume government’s iron and folic acid supplement during their junior high school years.

CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the current practice in taking iron supplement and food intake among adolescent girls in Lamongan district was poor. However, the prevalence of anemia was low and it was thought to be related to the success of the iron supplement program during the participants’ junior high school (2-3 years ago).