Risk Factors Associated With Blood Hemoglobin Levels in Adolescent Girls in the East Ratahan District, Southeast Minahasa Regency

Anemia is a health problem that is most often found in developing countries, including Indonesia. Adolescents are an age group that is very at risk for the incidence of anemia due to nutritional needs, especially iron and could cause reduced physical, mental capacity, and diminished concentration in work and educational performance, as well as early motherhood in girls. Adolescent girls are a group that need sufficient iron, since they are prone to anemia and malnutrition because of menstruation every month. This study aimed to determine the risk factors associated with blood levels in adolescent girls in the East Ratahan District, Southeast Minahasa Regency. This was quantitative research with a cross-sectional design. 96 adolescents were willing to participate in the research, and only 79 people continued to participate until the study was terminated. The sampling technique was purposive sampling. Data on iron and protein intake was collected using the Food Frequency Semi-Quantitative Form. Hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations were determined on finger-prick blood samples, while the protein intakes were obtained by interviews conducted 24 hours after the food recall. The result shows that there is no connection between hemoglobin levels and nutritional status (weight, height, BMI, LILA, and BMI/U). Most subjects have a good nutritional status. Intake of macronutrient proteins is strongly correlated with female adolescents' hemoglobin levels and anemia status. Most subjects have a normal level of protein adequacy. Iron intake has a strong relationship with hemoglobin levels and anemia status in female adolescents. Furthermore, risk factors associated with hemoglobin levels are protein intake and iron intake in female adolescents.