摘要:Background and Objective: Anemia associated with nutritional deficiency in adolescents is a public health problem that continues to be a concern in developing countries , including Indonesia. The rate of adolescent anemia is increasing and can lower productivity. This study aimed to determine whether differences in expenditures for iron-rich food and residence in rural or urban areas is related to the prevalence of anemia in adolescents aged 15-19 living on Sumatera Island, Indonesia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional approach was used to analyze data from the Indonesian Family Life Survey that was administered to 731 adolescents by the RAND Corporation in 2007. Results: In 2007 adolescents living on Sumatera island had an average hemoglobin level of 13.96±1.86 g dL1 (Girls: 12.7±1.48 g dL1, Boys: 15.1±1.56 g dL1) and the overall anemia prevalence was 11.7% (Girls: 26.1%, Boys: 2.4%). The highest level of family expenditure for food purchasing was for fresh fish [15,000±31,765.38 Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)]. Expenditures for meat, poultry, vegetables, fruit, eggs and milk were significantly lower in rural areas compared to urban areas (p<0.05), whereas those for fresh and dried fish were significantly lower in urban areas (p<0.05). Anemia was significantly associated with sex [p <0.001; OR = 14.55 (7,2129,37)] and consumption frequency of red meat [p = 0.034, OR = 2.44 (1.11-5.35)] but not with expenditures for iron-rich foods. Conclusion: Expenditures for food purchasing by families in Sumatera Island, Indonesia vary based on food type and area of residence (rural vs. urban). Food expenditure was not associated with the frequency of adolescent anemia. Overall, in this study anemia was more prevalent among female adolescents, adolescents living in rural areas and adolescents who consumed less red meat.