FACTORS INFLUENCING THE INCIDENCE OF ANEMIA AMONG ADOLESCENT GIRLS IN THE TALISE COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER WORK AREA

Abstract

Anemia is a condition characterized by a lower-than-normal number of red blood cells or hemoglobin (Hb) levels in the blood, specific to age and gender groups. Normal Hb levels differ between males and females, with anemia defined as Hb levels below 12 g/dL for females and below 13.5 g/dL for males. The highest incidence of anemia was recorded in the working area of the Talise Public Health Center, with a prevalence of 21.36%. This study aims to identify the factors influencing anemia among adolescent girls, focusing on sleep quality, Fe tablet consumption, knowledge, and menstrual patterns in the working area of the Talise Public Health Center. This research utilized a quantitative approach with a cross-sectional study design. The population comprised adolescent girls from all senior high schools within the Talise Public Health Center's working area, with a total sample of 84 respondents selected through proportional random sampling. Data analysis was conducted using univariate and multivariate techniques, with a significance level of p ≤ 0.05. The results indicate significant relationships between sleep quality (p = 0.005), knowledge (p = 0.035), Fe tablet consumption (p = 0.014), and menstrual cycle (p = 0.007) with the incidence of anemia in the Talise Public Health Center, Palu City. The study underscores the importance of disseminating information about the role of good sleep quality for adolescent girls, integrating nutritional health and anemia education into school curricula to raise awareness among students, and providing outreach to adolescent girls and their parents about the benefits of consuming Fe tablets to prevent anemia.