Intercorrelations among Hemoglobin Level, Physical Fitness, and Cognitive Score in Adolescent Girls: A Cross Sectional Study in Banggai District, Indonesia

Abstract

Iron deficiency anemia in adolescent girls can cause decreased concentration, cognitive levels and fitness. In the long term it will have an impact on low productivity and school achievement. This study aims to analyze the correlations between hemoglobin level, physical fitness and cognitive score in Anemic adolescent girls. The research design was cross-sectional, with a sample of adolescent girls aged 12–18 years (n=139). Iron status was determined by hemoglobin levels using Hemocue. Cognitive function was measured using the Culture Fair Intelligence Test (CFIT), memory scores using the Intelligenz Structure Test (ITS), and physical fitness based on the predicted VO2max using the Bleep Test. Correlation analysis uses Pearson correlation analysis. The research results showed that overall 58.3% of students experienced anemia, of which 64.1% experienced mild anemia and 32.1% experienced moderate anemia. The average value of hemoglobin levels in respondents was 11.6 mg/dl. The mean predicted VO2 max is 25.3 kg/ m2 and kognitif score 81,02 and memori score 11,01. Pearson's test results showed that there was a significant positive correlation between hemoglobin levels and predicted VO2 max (r = 0.28, p<0.05) and memori score (r = 0.31, p<0.05). There was a weak correlation between hemoglobin levels and kognitif score (r=0.17, p=0.053). Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between hemoglobin levels and physical fitness and cognitive function. Therefore, an intervention program is needed to increase Hb levels in adolescent girls