Factors Related to Anemia in Pregnant Women of Dayak Kenyah Tribe at Kutai Kartanegara Regency, East Kalimantan Province

Abstract

Anemia is one of the nutritional problems in pregnant women. This study aimed to assess factors associated with hemoglobin levels in pregnant women. Study design was cross-sectional with 72 pregnant women Dayak Kenyah as total samples. Data were collected by trained field workers including sample characteristics, nutrient intake, consumption of iron tablets and hemoglobin levels of pregnant women. Bivariate analysis was used to assess factors associated with hemoglobin levels of pregnant women. The results showed that 75% of pregnant women were anemic in which 48.6% with mild anemia and 26.4% with moderate anemia. The average nutrient intake of pregnant women was lower than RDA except of Zinc and Vitamin B12). Chi-square analysis showed maternal gestational age (p = 0.04), the intake of iron (p = 0.04); vitamin A (p = 0.04) and iron tablet consumption (p = 0.008), significantly associated with the incidence of anemia in pregnant women. It was concluded that statistically the incidence of anemia among pregnant women of Dayak Kenyah significantly associated with maternal gestational age, intake of iron and vitamin A and iron tablet consumption. It is expected that the improvement of nutrient intake for pregnant women and compliance consumption of iron tablets can be used in a program to prevent anemia in pregnant women.