Hematology Descriptions’ Significance for Toddlers Who are Stunting and those Who are Not in Babakan Mandang, Gunung Pancar, Sentul

Abstract

Introduction: Inadequate intake of macronutrients and micronutrients is associated with the incidence of stunting. Apart from affecting linear growth, inadequate nutritional intake also affects erythropoiesis, which can cause anemia. Lack of micronutrients such as zinc can also affect a child's immunity, hence increasing the risk of infection. This research aims to understand the hematological features of stunting and non-stunting in Babakan Mandang, Gunung Pancar, Sentul. Study Objective: The research method used is an observational case-control analytical study with a cross-sectional approach. Analysis of the data obtained used an Independent T-Test. Methods: Observational case-control analytical research with a cross-sectional design. The sampling method employed is non-probability sampling, specifically quota sampling. The total sample in this study was 42 samples, with each group consisting of 21 samples. Research was conducted in Babakan Mandang, Gunung Pancar, Sentul, West Java, between June and December 2023. Determination of stunting status is based on height for age (HAZ) WHO anthropometry analysis (SD ≤-2). Results: There was a significant average difference between stunting and non-stunting; hemoglobin levels (P =.004), hematocrit levels (P = .003). But the average levels of MCV, MCH, and leukocyte count in the two study groups showed no significant differences. In both study groups, MCV levels decreased, but the lowest amount of MCV in stunting children (51,3 fL) is lower than the lowest amount of MCV in non-stunting children (56,7 fL). The average amount of MCV in children stunting was 67,3 fL and in non-stunting was 68,5 fL. Meanwhile, the average MCH levels in children with stunted growth were 23.1 pg, and in those without stunted growth, they were 24.2 pg. The average number of leukocytes in children who suffer stunting is 10,3 103/uL and in non-stunting is 12,4 103/uL Conclusion: Stunted toddlers had lower average hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV, and MCH levels than non-stunted toddlers, but a larger average number of leukocytes.