Examine the impact of parental involvement on the nutritional intake and energy expenditure of children

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 10 views

Patterns of Consumption and Contribution of Supplementary Food to the Level of Energy Adequacy and Daily Protein of Tunas Buana Pulu Raja Kindergarten Students

Introduction

The golden period of growth and development is a crucial phase in the lives of pre-school children, where their nutritional needs must be met both in terms of quality and quantity. Additional feeding is a program designed to provide food in small portions, with the aim of increasing the adequacy of children's nutritional intake. This program focuses on their daily energy and protein needs, so that it can support optimal growth and health. In this study, we aimed to describe the level of energy and protein adequacy of children in Tunas Buana Pulu Raja Kindergarten and to determine the contribution of supplementary food to their daily energy and protein intake.

Methodology

This study was conducted with a cross-sectional design to describe the level of energy and protein adequacy of children in Tunas Buana Pulu Raja Kindergarten. The population in this study was all students, totaling 34 people, and sampling was carried out using purposive sampling with a total of 31 respondents. Energy and protein consumption data were obtained through a 24-hour food recall method, which was carried out twice on the day of additional food.

Results

The results showed that of the total daily food consumption, both obtained from home and additional food, it was found that 38.7% of children experienced an energy deficit, while 35.5% was in the category of incomplete energy. As for the adequacy of protein, 6.5% of children were in the less category and 3.2% in the deficit category. Additional food turned out to contribute 18.11% to total energy intake and 16.82% to the total protein intake of children.

Discussion

The findings of this study suggest that a significant number of children in Tunas Buana Pulu Raja Kindergarten experience energy and protein deficits. This is a concern, as adequate energy and protein intake are essential for optimal growth and development. The contribution of supplementary food to the total energy and protein intake of children is also an important finding, as it highlights the potential of this program to support the nutritional needs of children.

Recommendations

Based on these findings, it is recommended that the school increases the frequency of supplementary feeding to at least three times a week, following the guidelines for providing additional food for school children. In addition, parents are also recommended to bring nutritious provisions or choose healthy snacks for their children on days without providing additional food. Special attention is also needed to ensure the consumption of the main food of children at home, so that their energy and protein needs are well fulfilled.

Conclusion

This additional food provision program is not only aimed at increasing nutritional intake, but also functions as an important part of nutritional education for their children and parents. With a better understanding of the importance of balanced nutrition, it is hoped that both children and parents can be more aware of the choice of healthy food, which in turn will improve their quality of life. Communities and schools need to collaborate in ensuring that future generations have a good nutritional foundation for optimal growth and development.

Implications for Practice

The findings of this study have implications for practice in the following areas:

School nutrition programs: The study highlights the importance of school nutrition programs in supporting the nutritional needs of children. Schools should consider increasing the frequency of supplementary feeding and providing nutritious food options for children.
Parental involvement: Parents play a crucial role in supporting the nutritional needs of their children. They should be encouraged to bring nutritious provisions or choose healthy snacks for their children on days without providing additional food.
Community collaboration: Communities and schools need to collaborate in ensuring that future generations have a good nutritional foundation for optimal growth and development.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including:

Small sample size: The sample size of this study was relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Cross-sectional design: The study used a cross-sectional design, which may not capture the dynamic nature of nutritional intake and energy expenditure in children.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to:

Investigate the long-term effects of supplementary feeding on nutritional intake and energy expenditure in children.
Examine the impact of parental involvement on the nutritional intake and energy expenditure of children.
Develop and evaluate school nutrition programs that are tailored to the specific needs of children in different age groups and cultural backgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Patterns of Consumption and Contribution of Supplementary Food to the Level of Energy Adequacy and Daily Protein of Tunas Buana Pulu Raja Kindergarten Students

Q: What is the purpose of additional feeding in pre-school children?

A: The purpose of additional feeding in pre-school children is to provide food in small portions, with the aim of increasing the adequacy of children's nutritional intake. This program focuses on their daily energy and protein needs, so that it can support optimal growth and health.

Q: What is the significance of the golden period in the growth and development of pre-school children?

A: The golden period is a crucial phase in the lives of pre-school children, where their nutritional needs must be met both in terms of quality and quantity. Adequate nutrition during this period is essential for optimal growth and development.

Q: What is the contribution of supplementary food to the total energy and protein intake of children?

A: The study found that additional food contributed 18.11% to total energy intake and 16.82% to the total protein intake of children.

Q: What are the implications of the study for school nutrition programs?

A: The study highlights the importance of school nutrition programs in supporting the nutritional needs of children. Schools should consider increasing the frequency of supplementary feeding and providing nutritious food options for children.

Q: What role do parents play in supporting the nutritional needs of their children?

A: Parents play a crucial role in supporting the nutritional needs of their children. They should be encouraged to bring nutritious provisions or choose healthy snacks for their children on days without providing additional food.

Q: What is the importance of community collaboration in ensuring that future generations have a good nutritional foundation for optimal growth and development?

A: Communities and schools need to collaborate in ensuring that future generations have a good nutritional foundation for optimal growth and development. This can be achieved through joint efforts to promote healthy eating habits and provide access to nutritious food options.

Q: What are the limitations of the study?

A: The study has several limitations, including a small sample size and a cross-sectional design. These limitations may limit the generalizability of the findings.

Q: What are the future research directions?

A: Future research should aim to investigate the long-term effects of supplementary feeding on nutritional intake and energy expenditure in children, examine the impact of parental involvement on the nutritional intake and energy expenditure of children, and develop and evaluate school nutrition programs that are tailored to the specific needs of children in different age groups and cultural backgrounds.

Q: What are the recommendations for schools and parents based on the study?

A: Based on the study, it is recommended that schools increase the frequency of supplementary feeding to at least three times a week, following the guidelines for providing additional food for school children. Parents are also recommended to bring nutritious provisions or choose healthy snacks for their children on days without providing additional food.

Q: What is the significance of the study for the development of school nutrition programs?

A: The study highlights the importance of school nutrition programs in supporting the nutritional needs of children. The findings of the study can inform the development of school nutrition programs that are tailored to the specific needs of children in different age groups and cultural backgrounds.