Iron folic acid consumption and anemia prevalence among female adolescents in rural areas: an observational study

Background: : Anemia among female adolescents can cause maternal deaths due to bleeding and eclampsia.     Anemia is experienced by over half of billion women of childbearing age (15-49 years) worldwide, and the prevalence increased from 28.5% in 2015 to 29.6% in 2019.     The maternal deaths in Bogor Regency were mostly caused by bleeding and eclampsia. This study examines the association between individual characteristics, menstrual patterns, nutritional status, and weekly iron folic acid consumption on the anemia status of female adolescents in Sirnagalih, Bogor, West Java. Methods: . This is cross-sectional research conducted from December 2021 to February 2022. The study population was female adolescents (10-19 years) and the sample consisted of 78 respondents selected by using a purposive sampling technique. Interviews were conducted using a questionnaire and blood test to collect data. Results: : The results of the chi-square analysis showed a significant association between weekly iron folic acid consumption and anemia status of female adolescents (p-value = 0.018 and POR = 0.128 (95% CI: 0.02-0.69)), while other variables did not have a significant association. Conclusions: : For female adolescents in rural regions, where the prevalence of anemia is higher than in urban areas, it is necessary to promote iron folic acid supplement consumption. For further research, it is suggested to add other variables that affect anemia status in rural female adolescents such as the availability of another high-protein food, adherence to taking iron folic acid supplements, and to be examined for worm infections.