Impact of Dietary Patterns on Anemia Incidencein Adolescent Girls
Abstract
Anemia remains a major public health concern among adolescent girls, as it impairs growth, cognitive
performance, physical endurance, and overall well-being. In Magetan Regency, anemia prevalence remains high, reaching
51.02% in the Tebon Health Center area. Dietary inadequacy is recognized as one of the primary contributors to anemia during
adolescence, a period characterized by rapid growth and increased nutritional demands. This study aimed to analyze the
influence of dietary patterns on anemia incidence among adolescent girls at SMP Negeri 1 Barat, Magetan Regency. A cross-
sectional observational design was employed, involving 122 female students aged 12–15 years selected through total sampling.
Dietary patterns were measured using a validated questionnaire, and hemoglobin levels were assessed using a digital Hb device.
Data were analyzed through univariate statistics and the Chi-square test with a significance level of α = 0.05. The findings
indicated that 55.7% of respondents exhibited poor dietary patterns, while 56.6% experienced mild anemia and 12.3% moderate
anemia. Among students with good dietary habits, 75% did not experience anemia; conversely, 73.6% of those with poor
dietary patterns had mild anemia. Statistical testing demonstrated a significant relationship between dietary patterns and anemia
incidence (p = 0.000). These results confirm that inadequate dietary intake substantially contributes to reduced hemoglobin
levels among adolescent girls. Strengthening nutrition education, promoting balanced meals, and enhancing school-based
health programs are essential strategies for anemia prevention. Collaboration between health authorities, schools, and youth
counseling groups is recommended to improve dietary behaviors and reduce anemia among adolescents.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Miliana Fantini, Nurlailis Saadah, Astuti Setiyani, Sulikah Sulikah
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