Sri Shinta Awalinda, Erri Larene Safika, Leny Eka Tyas Wahyuni, Ismail Ismail , Nurul Afiah

The Relationship between Iron, Protein Intake, and Skipping Meal Habit with the Incidence of Anemia in Adolescent Girls at SMP Negeri 16 Samarinda

Introduction

The relationship between iron, protein intake, and skipping meal habit with the incidence of anemia in adolescent girls at smp negeri 16 samarinda. Explore anemia prevalence in adolescent girls at SMP Negeri 16 Samarinda. Discover significant links between insufficient iron, protein intake, and skipping breakfast with anemia incidence.

Abstract

Anemia was a condition characterized by a small number of red blood cells and was commonly experienced by adolescent girls due to menstruation and increased nutritional needs during growth. In 2023, the highest number of anemia cases in the working area of Puskesmas Loa Bakung, Samarinda, was found among female students of SMP Negeri 16 Samarinda, with a prevalence of 25% out of 190 cases. The purpose of this study was to analyze the association between iron intake, protein intake, and the habit of skipping meals with the incidence of anemia among female students at SMP Negeri 16 Samarinda. A cross-sectional design was used for this study. As much as 72 respondents were selected with purposive sampling. Data for this study was collected through haemoglobin (Hb) testing, interviews using the SQ-FFQ questionnaire and a meal-skipping questionnaire. A total of 37 (51.4%) female students suffered from anemia, 56 (77.8%) female students consumed adequate protein intake, and 67 (93.1%) female students had insufficient daily iron intake. As much as 55 (76.4%) female students did not regularly eat breakfast. Statistical analysis showed a significant relationship between iron intake (p=0.023), protein intake (p=0.010), and the habit of skipping breakfast (p=0.038) with anemia. However, this study didn’t find any association between skipping lunch (p=0.207) or dinner (p=0.658) with anemia. It was necessary to raise awareness among adolescent girls about the importance of breakfast and consuming nutritious foods, especially those rich in iron and protein to prevent anemia and support healthy development during adolescence.

Review

This study tackles a significant public health challenge by investigating the prevalence and contributing factors of anemia among adolescent girls. Highlighting a concerning 25% anemia prevalence at SMP Negeri 16 Samarinda, the research appropriately focuses on a vulnerable demographic frequently affected by nutritional deficiencies exacerbated by growth and menstruation. The objective to analyze the association between iron intake, protein intake, and meal-skipping habits with anemia is well-defined and critical for informing targeted interventions in the region. Utilizing a cross-sectional design, the researchers gathered data from 72 adolescent girls through hemoglobin testing, an SQ-FFQ questionnaire for dietary intake, and a meal-skipping questionnaire. The findings reveal a substantial burden of anemia, affecting 51.4% of the sample. Strikingly, 93.1% exhibited insufficient daily iron intake and 76.4% reported not regularly eating breakfast. Statistical analysis confirmed significant relationships between anemia and insufficient iron intake (p=0.023), inadequate protein intake (p=0.010), and the habit of skipping breakfast (p=0.038). Interestingly, skipping lunch or dinner did not show a significant association with anemia. The study's findings provide clear and actionable insights for public health initiatives, emphasizing the critical role of breakfast and sufficient iron and protein intake in preventing anemia among adolescent girls. While the cross-sectional nature limits causal inferences, the identified strong associations highlight specific modifiable behaviors and dietary gaps prevalent in this population. The research serves as a valuable local assessment, underscoring the necessity for educational programs and awareness campaigns tailored to encourage nutritious breakfast consumption and a diet rich in essential micronutrients to support healthy adolescent development and combat anemia.

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