Anemia Risk Factors For Students Of SMP Negeri 25 Medan Labuhan District
Anemia Risk Factors for Students of SMP Negeri 25 Medan Labuhan District: A Study on the Prevalence and Associated Factors
Introduction
Anemia is a global health problem that affects millions of people worldwide, including adolescents. Junior high school students are one of the most vulnerable groups to anemia, as their bodies require a significant increase in iron needs during this period of growth. Anemia not only affects physical health but can also impact mental development and academic performance. This study aims to investigate the factors related to anemia in students of SMP Negeri 25 in Medan Labuhan District.
Background
Anemia is a condition characterized by a decrease in the number of red blood cells or the amount of hemoglobin in the blood. It is a common health problem that affects people of all ages, but it is more prevalent in adolescents. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that anemia affects approximately 30% of the world's population, with the highest prevalence in developing countries.
In Indonesia, anemia is a significant public health concern, particularly among adolescents. A study conducted in 2019 found that anemia prevalence among adolescents in Indonesia was approximately 35%. The high prevalence of anemia in adolescents is attributed to various factors, including inadequate iron intake, poor dietary habits, and socioeconomic conditions.
Research Methods
This study employed an analytic cross-sectional design to investigate the factors related to anemia in students of SMP Negeri 25 in Medan Labuhan District. The study population consisted of 78 students in class VII, VIII, and IX in the 2017/2018 school year who met the inclusion criteria. The data collection process involved the measurement of hemoglobin (HB), height, and weight. In addition, the students were asked to fill in a questionnaire that measured the socioeconomic conditions of the family, eating patterns, and nutritional intake.
The data analysis was carried out using the Chi-Square test and multiple logistic regression to identify the factors related to anemia.
Research Results
The results of this study showed that 26 students experienced anemia, with a prevalence of 33.3%. The prevalence of mild, medium, and severe anemia was 15.4%, 12.8%, and 5.1%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that several factors were significantly related to the incidence of anemia, including the consumption of tea (AOR = 2,278), father's work (AOR = 0.186), and consumption of chickens (AOR = 0.278).
Analysis and Explanation
The high prevalence of anemia in SMPN 25 students highlights the need for more attention to the problem of adolescent nutrition and health, especially related to iron intake. The consumption of tea was found to be related to an increased risk of anemia, which can be explained by the tannin content in tea that can inhibit the absorption of iron in the body. Therefore, it is essential for adolescents to understand the impact of tea consumption, especially when they are eating iron-rich foods.
The father's work that has a significant AOR value shows that the family's socioeconomic conditions also affect the nutritional status of students. Stable jobs tend to have a positive impact on family income, thus facilitating access to nutritious food. On the other hand, low family income can limit the choice of healthy food, which eventually contributes to the risk of anemia.
Chicken consumption, which is a source of protein and iron, also plays an important role. Low consumption of meat such as chicken can increase the risk of anemia. This shows the importance of increasing family awareness of the importance of balanced nutritional intake.
Conclusion
The results of this study indicate that the prevalence of anemia in SMPN 25 students is 33.3%, with several factors that are closely related, namely tea consumption, chicken consumption, and father's work. Appropriate nutritional intervention and education to parents and students about the importance of healthy eating patterns is needed to reduce the incidence of anemia. Increasing public awareness of nutritious diet and its impact on adolescent health is crucial for a healthier future.
Recommendations
Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:
- Nutritional education: Provide nutritional education to parents and students about the importance of healthy eating patterns and the impact of tea consumption on iron absorption.
- Access to nutritious food: Ensure that students have access to nutritious food, particularly iron-rich foods, to reduce the risk of anemia.
- Socioeconomic support: Provide socioeconomic support to families with low income to facilitate access to nutritious food.
- Public awareness: Increase public awareness of the importance of a nutritious diet and its impact on adolescent health.
By implementing these recommendations, it is hoped that the incidence of anemia among adolescents in SMP Negeri 25 Medan Labuhan District can be reduced, and the overall health and well-being of students can be improved.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Anemia in Students of SMP Negeri 25 Medan Labuhan District
Q: What is anemia, and why is it a concern for adolescents?
A: Anemia is a condition characterized by a decrease in the number of red blood cells or the amount of hemoglobin in the blood. It is a concern for adolescents because their bodies require a significant increase in iron needs during this period of growth, and inadequate iron intake can lead to anemia.
Q: What are the symptoms of anemia in adolescents?
A: The symptoms of anemia in adolescents may include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, and dizziness. In severe cases, anemia can lead to more serious health problems, such as heart failure and organ damage.
Q: What are the risk factors for anemia in adolescents?
A: The risk factors for anemia in adolescents include inadequate iron intake, poor dietary habits, socioeconomic conditions, and genetic predisposition. In this study, the consumption of tea, father's work, and consumption of chickens were found to be significantly related to the incidence of anemia.
Q: How can anemia be prevented in adolescents?
A: Anemia can be prevented in adolescents by ensuring adequate iron intake through a balanced diet, avoiding excessive tea consumption, and promoting socioeconomic stability. Additionally, regular health check-ups and nutritional education can help identify and address anemia early on.
Q: What are the consequences of untreated anemia in adolescents?
A: Untreated anemia in adolescents can lead to more serious health problems, such as heart failure, organ damage, and decreased cognitive function. In severe cases, anemia can even lead to death.
Q: How can parents and caregivers support adolescents with anemia?
A: Parents and caregivers can support adolescents with anemia by ensuring they receive adequate iron intake through a balanced diet, avoiding excessive tea consumption, and promoting socioeconomic stability. Regular health check-ups and nutritional education can also help identify and address anemia early on.
Q: What are the implications of this study for public health policy?
A: The findings of this study highlight the need for public health policy to address the issue of anemia in adolescents. This may include implementing nutritional education programs, increasing access to nutritious food, and promoting socioeconomic stability.
Q: What are the limitations of this study?
A: The limitations of this study include the small sample size and the cross-sectional design, which may not capture the full range of factors related to anemia in adolescents.
Q: What are the future directions for research on anemia in adolescents?
A: Future research on anemia in adolescents should aim to investigate the long-term effects of anemia on cognitive function and academic performance, as well as the effectiveness of nutritional education programs and socioeconomic interventions in preventing anemia.
Q: How can readers get involved in promoting anemia awareness and prevention?
A: Readers can get involved in promoting anemia awareness and prevention by sharing this study with others, supporting nutritional education programs, and advocating for policies that promote socioeconomic stability and access to nutritious food.