Factors Causing Anemia in Adolescent Girls at the Dr. Pirngadi Medan Regional Hospital Polyclinic

Abstract

Anemia is a condition characterized by a decrease in hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cell count below the normal values established for individuals. Female adolescents have a tenfold higher risk of experiencing iron deficiency, commonly referred to as anemia, compared to their male counterparts. The issue of anemia among female adolescents can be caused by a lack of information, low awareness from parents, the community, and the government about adolescent health, as well as underutilization of adolescent health services. This study aimed to determine the relationship between knowledge and dietary patterns with the incidence of anemia among female adolescents. This research employed a quantitative approach with a cross-sectional design. The statistical analysis used was the chi-square test. The results indicated a significant relationship between knowledge and the incidence of anemia among female adolescents (p = 0.001). Additionally, a significant relationship was found between dietary patterns and the incidence of anemia among female adolescents (p = 0.004). Based on these findings, it can be concluded that there is a significant relationship between knowledge and dietary patterns with the incidence of anemia among female adolescents at the Internal Medicine Polyclinic of RSUD Dr. Pirngadi Medan.