Dietary patterns and menstrual cycle: incidence of anemia in female adolescents in Bondowoso Regency

Devi Arine Kusumawardani (1Nutrition Study Program, Faculty of Public Health, University of Jember, Jember, East Java)
Ainurrofiqoh Hidayati Ningsih (Public Health Study Program, Faculty of Public Health, University of Jember, Jember, East Java)
Dhuha Itsnanisa Adi (Public Health Study Program, Faculty of Public Health, University of Jember, Jember, East Java)

JURNAL GIZI INDONESIA
Vol 14, No 2 (2026): June

ABSTRACTBackground: Anemia is one of the three significant nutritional burdens being addressed in Indonesia. The risk of anemia in female adolescents is ten times higher than in male adolescents because female adolescents are menstruating. Most causes of anemia include protein, iron, and vitamin C deficiencies, as well as irregular menstrual cycles.Objective: This study aims to analyze the correlation between dietary patterns, the menstrual cycle, and the incidence of anemia among female adolescents at Bondowoso Vocational High School 1.Materials and Methods: This study used a cross-sectional design with a sample of 116 female adolescents aged 15–18 at Bondowoso Vocational High School 1, selected through simple random sampling. Interviews were conducted with respondents who completed observation sheets on their menstrual cycles and diets using the SQ-FFQ form. Hemoglobin levels were measured using a digital hemoglobin check tool, and researchers collaborated with healthcare professionals authorized to perform hemoglobin level tests. The analyses used were univariate and bivariate, with the chi-square test and Fisher's Exact test.Results: The study showed that protein intake was insufficient (78.4%), while iron intake (74.1%) and vitamin C intake (71.6%) were sufficient. And there was no correlation between protein intake and the incidence of anemia (OR = 1.855 (CI 95% = 0.772 – 4.452; p-value 0.443). The menstrual cycle and anemia showed a significant correlation (OR = 2.489 (CI 95% = 1.053 – 5.883; p-value 0.035). Iron intake and anemia showed a significant correlation (OR = 2.888 (CI 95% = 1.204 – 6.923; p-value 0.015), and vitamin C intake also showed a correlation with anemia ( OR = 2.807 (CI 95% = 1.193 – 6.603; p-value 0.016).Conclusion: Iron intake, vitamin C, and the menstrual cycle are related to the incidence of anemia. Monitoring and evaluation of regular iron and folic acid supplementation, emphasizing socialization about the “Aksi Bergizi Program” nutrition action programs through balanced nutrition, and building social support schemes for reproductive health among female adolescents are necessary.Keywords: Anemia; dietary habit; female adolescent; menstrual cycle