Relationship between nutritional status and incidence of anemia in toddlers at Wangaya Regional General Hospital Denpasar

Abstract

Background: Anemia remains a widespread health concern among toddlers worldwide, profoundly affecting their growth and development. In Indonesia, approximately 38% of children under five experience anemia, with malnutrition playing a key role. The coexistence of anemia and malnutrition further exacerbates physical and cognitive developmental issues, resulting in long-term economic and social implications. This study investigates the association between nutritional status and anemia in toddlers receiving treatment at Wangaya General Hospital, Denpasar. Methods: This research employs an analytic observational design with a cross-sectional approach. It involves 492 children aged 1–5 who were admitted to Wangaya General Hospital between January and December 2023 and met the study criteria. Hemoglobin levels and nutritional status were assessed through anthropometric measurements, and the correlation between these factors was analyzed using the Chi-square test. Results: Of the 492 participants, 449 (91.3%) were non-anemic, while 43 (8.7%) had anemia, categorized as mild (21 cases), moderate (17 cases), and severe (5 cases). Nutritional assessment revealed that 80 children (16.3%) were malnourished, with 13 (30.2%) of them also diagnosed with anemia. Chi-square analysis demonstrated a significant correlation between nutritional status and anemia (p = 0.009). Conclusion: A significant relationship exists between nutritional status and anemia. These findings highlight the necessity of monitoring nutritional health as a preventive strategy against anemia. Implementing interventions focused on improving nutrition and raising awareness can play a crucial role in reducing anemia prevalence among children.