Iron Profile in Adolescent Scavengers Living in Slum Areas

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is one of the major health issues in the world, especially in developing countries. During adolescence, iron deficiency can be caused by a growth spurt, inadequate nutritional intake, parasite infection, and heavy blood loss during menstruation. Regarding the importance of this issue, we aimed to assess the iron profile in adolescent scavengers living in slum areas.

This was a cross-sectional study conducted in October 2016 at an alternative school for adolescents working as scavengers in Bekasi, Indonesia. Data on menstrual status, weight and height measurements, and blood samples were collected to define iron status (iron depletion, iron deficiency, and IDA).

In this study, 96 adolescents aged 10–18 years were recruited. The prevalence of anemia was 13.6%, and half was caused by iron deficiency. The iron profiles of subjects were iron depletion (2.1%), iron deficiency (18.8%), and IDA (7.3%). Hemoglobin, ferritin, and transferrin saturation were significantly lower in females (P<0.01, P=0.01, P<0.01 respectively).

Anemia, iron depletion, iron deficiency, and IDA are more prevalent among adolescent girls. Special attention is needed to improve the iron status of girls, especially by giving iron supplementation for IDA prevention. Moreover, achieving the optimal iron reserve is imperative to enter a safe and healthy pregnancy by reducing delivery complications due to inadequate iron storage of both mother and fetus.