Socio-Demographics, Mid Upper-arm Circumference (MUAC), Counseling and Compliance to Multiple Micronutrient Supplement (MMS) Consumption as Determinants of Anemia among Premaried Women in Surabaya

Abstract

Introduction: Anemia impacts maternal and fetal health during pregnancy. To prevent risks during the preconception period, risk factors such as nutritional status, compliance to Multiple Micronutrient Supplement (MMS) consumption, and nutrition counseling are crucial. This study investigated how sociodemographic factors, Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC), counseling, and compliance to Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) influenced the prevalence of anemia among premarried  women in Surabaya.
Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed the predictors of anemia among 282 premarried  women in Surabaya to support preconception risk prevention. Data were collected via questionnaires, Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) measurements, and hemoglobin levels (samples obtained in November 2024). The data were analyzed using logistic regression.
Results: The significant factors identified were: age (p=0,032; OR=3,207; 95 % CI=0,267 – 6,147), MUAC (p=0,001; OR=4,606; 95 % CI=1,817 – 7,395), MMS compliance (p=0,018; OR=3,817; 95 % CI=2,907 – 4,727), and nutrition counseling (p=0,002; OR=4,103; 95 % CI=2,802 – 5,404). Meanwhile, occupation and education level did not show a significant effect (p>0,05). Women with a MUAC <23,5 cm had a 4,6-fold higher risk of anemia.
Conclusion: These findings highlighted that nutritional status (MUAC), counseling, MMS compliance, and age significantly influenced the risk of anemia in this population. Strengthening promotive and preventive interventions, particularly targeted nutrition education programs and monitoring, is essential to reduce preconception anemia among premarried  women in Surabaya.