Abstract
Background: During adolescence, a body undergoes hormonal changes, weight gain or loss, growth, and physical changes. Rapid growth and development need increased nutrition and energy intake. Undernutrition may contribute to being underweight, poor performance at school, poor general health, pregnancy and birth complications, and less economic productivity. This study aimed to describe of nutritional status among female adolescents in Tanah Bumbu Regency, South Kalimantan, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Subjects and Method: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in Tanah Bumbu Regency, South Kalimantan, in 2021. A total of 420 female students at the junior and senior high schools in Tanah Bumbu Regency, South Kalimantan, were selected for this study. The dependent variables were body weight, chronic energy deficiency, and hemoglobin. Body weight was measured by weight scale. Chronic energy deficiency was measured by middle upper arm circumference. Hemoglobin level was measured by Hemoque Hb 201. The data were described in percent.
Results: Among the junior high school students, 50% were underweight, 30% had chronic energy deficiency, and 30% had anemia. Among the senior high school students, 40% were underweight, 20% had chronic energy deficiency, and 40% had anemia.
Conclusion: Nutritional status assessment showed a considerable percentage of undernutrition among adolescents in Tanah Bumbu Regency, South Kalimantan, during the COVID-19 pandemic (in 2021). These findings call for attention and corrective action from the health authority.
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