THE CORRELATION BETWEEN IRON INTAKE AND INCIDENCE OF ANEMIA IN PREGNANT WOMEN IN THE WORKING AREA OF THE MAMPU PONED PAGAR DEWA INPATIENT PUBLIC HEALTH CENTRE IN WEST TULANG BAWANG REGENCY IN 2025

Anaemia is a major health problem in pregnant women and is often associated with low iron intake.

Abstract

Anaemia is a major health problem in pregnant women and is often associated with low iron intake. Globally, the prevalence of anaemia in pregnant women reaches 35.5%, in Indonesia it is 78%, and in Lampung Province it is 63%. In the working area of the Mampu Poned Pagar Dewa Inpatient Public Health Centre in 2023, there were 29 pregnant women with anaemia. This study aims to determine the relationship between iron intake and the incidence of anaemia in pregnant women. The study design uses a cross-sectional approach with a sample of 34 pregnant women in their third trimester through total sampling. Data were collected using a questionnaire on iron intake frequency and haemoglobin (Hb) level tests, with anaemia defined as Hb < 11 g/dL.

The univariate analysis showed that 10 respondents (29.4%) had inadequate iron intake, 10 respondents (29.4%) had adequate iron intake, and 14 respondents (41.2%) had good iron intake. Anaemia was found in 17 pregnant women (50%) and 17 non-anaemic women (50%). The results of bivariate analysis using the Chi-Square test obtained a p-value of 0.046, indicating a significant relationship between iron intake and the incidence of anaemia. Respondents with inadequate intake had the highest proportion of anaemia (80%), while in the adequate intake category, only 28.6% had anaemia.

It is concluded that the better the iron intake in pregnant women, the lower the risk of anaemia. Therefore, health workers are expected to be more active in providing education about the importance of iron intake, both from nutritious foods and iron supplements. Education should be provided repeatedly, tailored to the understanding of pregnant women. A communicative and empathetic approach is very important to encourage pregnant women to have a healthy pregnancy free from anaemia.