Comparison of food security and nutritional status among adolescent girls aged 15-19 in highland and coastal areas of Garut Regency, West Java

Nutritional status and food security are interrelated factors that directly influence health outcomes. Adolescent girls, a vulnerable population, frequently face malnutrition, including anemia and chronic energy deficiency (CED), which can have lasting health implications. This study examined and compared the food security and nutritional status of adolescent girls residing in highland and coastal regions of Garut, West Java. This study employed an analytic observational method with a cross-sectional design, involving 318 adolescent girls aged 15-19 years from two regions: Cigedug (highland) and Caringin (coastal). Data collection included direct interviews using the HFIAS questionnaire, anthropometric measurements, and hemoglobin testing. The results indicated that food security levels were higher in the coastal area (27.7%) compared to the highland (14.7%). However, the prevalence of anemia among adolescent girls was greater in the coastal area (45.8%) than in the highland (31.3%). Although no significant difference in nutritional status related to CED was observed between the two regions, the prevalence of CED remained higher in the coastal area (57.4%). In conclusion, significant differences were observed in food security status and hemoglobin levels between adolescent girls in the two locations.