Differences in Hematological Parameters and Nutritional Intake Based on Environmental Condition in the Islam Boarding Schools

Abstract

Anemia and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) are indirectly caused by environmental factors. However, there are currently no studies on the differences in hematological parameters of anemia and nutritional intake in adequate and inadequate environmental conditions. This study aims to determine the differences in hematological parameters and nutritional intake of female students based on the environmental conditions of the Islamic boarding schools. It was a descriptive study with a cross-sectional design.  A total of 167 girls from seven Islamic boarding schools in Tasikmalaya, West Java were recruited. Anemia was assessed by determining hemoglobin (Hb) levels, hematocrit (Ht) levels, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH,) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCHC). Environmental conditions of the boarding schools observed were the kitchen, bedrooms, toilet/bathrooms, and the outside environment (trash bins and handwashing stations). The study found that there is no difference in the hematological values (Hb, Ht, MCV, MCH, MCHC, and RDWCV) of students with adequate and inadequate environmental conditions. Students who lived in inadequate environment had higher intake of iron (p<0.005), protein (p<0.005), and vitamin C (p<0.005) than those who lived in adequate environment. However, the nutritional intake of adolescent girls in Islamic boarding schools was considerably lower than Indonesian Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Thus, no significant difference in hematological levels, which are indicators of anemia and IDA, could be found. Hence, to protect against anemia and IDA, adolescent girls should increase the quality and quantity of their nutritional intake, particularly iron, protein, and vitamin C.