Food intake and anemia among preconception women in Takalar district, Indonesia

Abstract

Objective

To determine the relationship between nutritional intake and the incidence of anemia in preconception women in Takalar District.

Methods

This study is a cross sectional study of 300 women with the criteria of married mothers aged 18–35 years. Data collection used a questionnaire, measurement of body weight, height, and upper arm circumference, and a 24-h recall. Hemoglobin levels were assessed using Hemocue. Data were analyzed using chi-square and linear regression tests.

Results

23.3% of the women had anemia. Nutritional intake in the form of energy, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins C, E, B6, iron, folic acid, sodium, calcium, and potassium has not met the standard. >80% RDA and protein, fat, vitamin A, B1, B2, Magnesium, Phosphorus, and Zinc that meet the standards. Chi-square test results showed the P-value of vitamin A (P = 0.043) and folic acid (P = 0.069) and the linear regression test showed P-value for energy (P = 0.063), protein (P = 0.087), and calcium (P = 0.082).

Conclusion

There is a relationship between low nutritional intake in the form of energy, protein, calcium, folic acid, and vitamin A intake and the incidence of anemia in preconception women.