Factors Associated with the Incidence of Anemia in Pregnant Women at the Padang Guci Hilir Community Health Center, Bengkulu City in 2023

Abstract

Background: Anemia in pregnancy remains a national health issue in Indonesia, reflecting socio-economic welfare and significantly influencing maternal and child health. Early marriage, low education, and inadequate knowledge are identified as contributing factors to anemia in pregnant women. Adolescents engaging in early marriage face heightened risks due to underdeveloped reproductive organs and limited nutritional awareness, leading to increased complications during pregnancy.
Objective: This study aims to determine the relationship between early marriage, education, and knowledge with the incidence of anemia in pregnant women in the working area of Padang Guci Hilir Health Center, Bengkulu Province.
Design and Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 42 pregnant women using total sampling. Inclusion criteria included pregnant women domiciled in the health center's working area and willing to participate. Data were collected through interviews and questionnaires, then analyzed using univariate and chi-square tests to identify associations. Odds Ratios (OR) were calculated to evaluate the strength of relationships.
Findings: Of the respondents, 14.3% engaged in early marriage, 61.9% had low education, and 26.2% experienced anemia. Significant relationships were found between early marriage (p=0.003; OR=25.0), low education (p=0.001; OR=15.4), and insufficient knowledge (p=0.000; OR=8.1) with anemia. Early marriage was identified as the strongest risk factor, increasing the likelihood of anemia 25 times.
Conclusion and Implications: Early marriage, low education, and inadequate knowledge are key determinants of anemia in pregnant women. Targeted interventions, including education programs to delay marriage, nutritional counseling, and improved health education, are recommended to reduce anemia rates and improve maternal health outcomes. These findings highlight the urgent need for communitybased policies to address these issues effectively