KADAR ZAT BESI SERUM DAN HEMOGLOBIN PADA ANAK STUNTING DAN TIDAK STUNTING DI KABUPATEN SELUMA

Abstract

Iron is one of the micronutrients needed by children in the process of growth and development. Iron plays a role in the formation of hemoglobin and cell division. Iron deficiency affects the incidence of anemia in children. This study aims to analyze differences in serum iron levels and hemoglobin levels in elementary school children who are stunting and not stunting. The design of this study was cross sectional, with a sample of elementary school children aged 9-12 years. Samples were 97 people taken randomly from elementary school students in 5 sub-districts. Blood was taken to measure serum iron levels and hemoglobin levels, and height measurements to obtain stunting data. The sample characteristic data is obtained through a questionnaire. Measurement of serum iron levels was carried out using spectrophotometry, while measurement of hemoglobin levels using digital Hb examination equipment. Data were analyzed using unpaired t test. Based on height measurements 36 (37.1%) children were stunted and 61 (62.9%) children were not stunted. The mean serum iron levels in stunting children were lower than children who were not stunting (34.33 ± 12.73μg/dL vs. 42.79 ± 19.45μg/dL). There were significant differences (p = 0.011) in the mean serum iron levels in stunting and non-stunting children. The measurement results of hemoglobin levels showed that there was no significant difference in mean hemoglobin levels between stunting and non-stunting children (p = 0.547). Conclusion: There was a decrease in the mean serum iron level which was not followed by a decrease in the mean hemoglobin level in elementary school children who were stunting in Seluma District.