Anemia in Pregnant Women during COVID-19 Pandemic in Selayar Islands Regency, Indonesia: Socioeconomic and Dietary Factors

Objective: This research aims to analyse the influence of social aspects (knowledge, parity, local policies, and economic support) and diet on the incidence of anemia in pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods: The type of research was analytical with a cross-sectional study approach carried out in Selayar Islands Regency. The population in this study was the number of pregnant women in Buki District, Selayar Islands Regency in 2020 and 2021, about 284 people, and the total number of respondents was 95 people. Research variables were age, education, parity, diet, upper arm circumference, knowledge about anemia, local policy, economic aspects, anemia, and degree of anemia severity. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS and the Chi-Square statistical test. Results: The results of the research were that 65 respondents were anemic (68.4%), and the degree of anemia was mild (66.2% of respondents) and moderate (29.2%). Lack of knowledge about anemia has a significant relationship with the incidence of anemia (p = 0.024), and then a diet that does not meet balanced nutritional needs during pregnancy has a significant relationship with the severity of anemia (p = 0.001). Other social factors, such as parity, local policies, and family income, do not significantly affect the incidence of anemia in pregnant women. Conclusion: The conclusion is that knowledge about anemia and the respondents' eating patterns significantly affect the incidence of anemia and the degree of anemia in pregnant women.