Comparison of Red Blood Cell Parameters as Metabolic Indicator in Stunted and Nonstunted Children

Abstract

Introduction: Stunting occurs as a result of chronic malnutrition, which triggers changes in metabolic function, which are usually characterized by impaired blood profiles in stunted children. This study aims to compare the red blood cell (RBC) Parameters in stunted and nonstunted children. Methods: This study used laboratory observational analytic methods with a cross-sectional approach. The study included a total of 74 participants aged 6–10 years. Primary data was collected by collecting sociodemographic data from the subjects, measuring anthropometric variables, and taking blood samples to analyze the erythrocyte index based on the hematological parameters of RBCs, including hemoglobin (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). Data analysis was performed using the one-way ANOVA test for erythrocytes, HGB, HCT, and Kruskal–Wallis for MCV, MCH, and MCHC at 95% confidence level. Result: The participants consisted of 33 males and 41 females. Based on the World Health Organization classification of anthropometric measurements, it was found that 46 children were normal, 18 were classified as stunting, and the remaining 10 were severe stunting. Conclusion: RBC parameter analysis based on hematological parameters found that in the male group, there were significantly lower RBC counts, HGB, HCT, MCH, and MCHC in stunting and severe stunting children compared to the nonstunted or normal children, whereas in the female group, the significant lower result found in the parameter of RBC counts, HGB, HCT, and MCV.