Iron-deficiency Relations with the Status of the Nutrition of Elementary School Children in the District of Tuah Negeri, Musi Rawas Regency

Abstract

Iron deficiency anemia is the most common anemia in children, because iron is needed during growth. Iron deficiency anemia can be influenced by several factors, namely, the lack of consumption of animal food sources as a source of easily absorbed iron (heme iron), while plant foods (nonheme iron) are a source of high iron but difficult to absorb, so a larger portion is needed. Large enough to meet the needs of iron in the day. Lack of iron intake can result in low levels of hemoglobin in the blood, so that the oxygen needed by the body and brain is reduced which will result in changes in metabolism in the brain. The level of iron adequacy is related to the incidence of stunting in children. Methods : This study is an analytic observational study with a cross-sectional design. A sample of 79 people was taken randomly from elementary school students in Tuah Negeri District, Musi Rawas Regency. Determination of iron deficiency in children is done by examination of serum iron using the ELISA method. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16 with Univariate, Bivariate, and Multivariate analysis. Result : The study showed that the relationship between iron deficiency and nutritional status of elementary school children (p = 0.004). Based on the results above, it can be concluded that there is a relationship between iron deficiency and the nutritional status of elementary school children, thus it is recommended to increase health promotion efforts related to iron deficiency through health education activities involving the role of parents in choosing food intake and balanced nutrition.