Anaemia is Associated with Dietary Intakes and Physical Fitness among Female Students Studying Nutrition in Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Indonesia
Background: Anaemia is a common condition among young adults.
Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of anaemia among female college students studying Nutrition and explore the potential connections between dietary habits, anthropometric measurements, and physical activity levels.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 113 female students who enrolled in Programme Study of Nutrition. Dietary data including intakes of energy, iron, folate, B12, vitamin C, and Dietary Diversity Score (DDS) were assessed using non-consecutive 3x24 hours food records. The assessment of physical fitness was based on Harvard Step Test whereas anthropometric profiles including body mass index, mid-upper arm circumference, and body fat percentage. A capillary haemoglobin was used to collect anaemia status data.
Results: Among our respondents, we found that anaemia prevalence was 39%. Non-anaemic and anaemic respondents showed no significant difference in anthropometric profiles, intakes of energy, iron, folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin C, nor in DDS. However, we found that the non-anaemic group consuming a higher intake of fish and meat (p<0.01) but lower in legume, nut, seed (p<0.05), and dark-leafy vegetables (p<0.05).
Conclusions: this study emphasises the high prevalence of anaemia among female college students studying health major. The study suggested that increasing intake of meat and fish could be a promising approach to combat anaemia. Future studies examining tailored dietary plans and fitness programmes to combat anaemia are warranted.
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