Increased nutritional knowledge

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 103 views

Nutritional Status and Consumption of Teen Eating in the Grovid-19 Pandemic: A Study in Labuhan Deli Village, Medan City

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on various aspects of society, including the way people eat and their nutritional status. Adolescents, in particular, are vulnerable to changes in their nutritional intake, which can affect their overall health and well-being. This study aims to investigate the nutritional status and pattern of adolescent food consumption in Labuhan Deli Village, Medan City, during the COVID-19 pandemic period.

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to changes in eating patterns and nutritional status in various circles, especially adolescents. This age group is vulnerable to changes in nutritional intake, which can result in their nutritional status. The pandemic has also led to changes in food availability, accessibility, and affordability, which can further exacerbate the issue.

Methodology

This study uses a quantitative approach with a descriptive design. A total of 79 teenagers in Labuhan Deli Village were selected as the research sample using non-probability sampling techniques. Data was collected through a questionnaire that included demographic data, eating frequency, and intake of micro and macro nutrients.

Results

The results of the study showed that the majority of teenagers in Labuhan Deli Village (43.0%) had a normal nutritional status based on Body Mass Index (BMI). Most teenagers eat food three times a day, with carbohydrates (rice) being the main component (87.39%). Animal protein, such as mackerel fish and fried cobs, as well as vegetable protein, such as tempeh and spinach, are also part of their consumption. Vegetables and fruit, such as sweet field oranges, are also consumed. However, there is a proportion of adolescents who consume fast food, such as extra crispy fried chicken (13.9%).

Analysis

Further analysis shows that the intake of adolescent carbohydrates in Labuhan Deli Village is in the excessive category (> 11%), reaching 151.9%. Protein intake, on the other hand, is below the nutritional adequacy rate (AKG), which is 49.4%. Meanwhile, the intake of micro nutrients, such as vitamin A (41.8%), vitamin C (54.4%), vitamin D (51.9%), and vitamin E (58.2%), are classified as good, reaching 80% of AKG.

Discussion

The results of the study indicate that the nutritional status and consumption of adolescent food in Labuhan Deli Village is influenced by factors such as nutritional knowledge, food availability, and eating habits. Low protein intake and high carbohydrate intake, indicating unbalanced consumption patterns. This may be triggered by access to foods that are affordable and easy to obtain, while animal protein which is generally more expensive, may be more difficult to reach.

Conclusion

This study highlights the importance of improving the nutritional status and patterns of adolescent food consumption in Labuhan Deli Village and other areas. Efforts are needed to increase nutritional knowledge, access to nutritious food, and monitoring of nutritional status. Cooperation between related institutions, such as Puskesmas, Schools, and Communities, is also crucial in implementing programs that support the improvement of nutritional status and adolescent food consumption patterns.

Recommendation

Based on the results of the study, the following recommendations are made:

Increased nutritional knowledge: Educational programs about balanced nutrition and the importance of consumption of nutritious foods need to be given to adolescents.
Increasing access to nutritious food: Food Assistance Program and Promotion of Healthy Food Consumption, such as fruits and vegetables, can help increase adolescent nutritional intake.
Monitoring of nutritional status: Periodic nutritional status monitoring can help detect premature malnutrition and intervention can be done.
Cooperation with various parties: Cooperation between related institutions, such as Puskesmas, Schools, and Communities, is very important in implementing programs that support the improvement of nutritional status and adolescent food consumption patterns.

By developing a comprehensive and sustainable program, it is expected that the nutritional status and patterns of adolescent food consumption can be increased, thus supporting their health and growth in the future.

Limitation

This study only focuses on Labuhan Deli Village, and its findings may not apply generally to teenagers in other regions. Further research is needed to explore more in the factors that affect the consumption patterns and nutritional status of adolescents in various regions and backgrounds.

Future Research

Future research should focus on exploring the factors that affect the consumption patterns and nutritional status of adolescents in various regions and backgrounds. This can include studying the impact of cultural and socioeconomic factors on adolescent food consumption and nutritional status.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of improving the nutritional status and patterns of adolescent food consumption in Labuhan Deli Village and other areas. Efforts are needed to increase nutritional knowledge, access to nutritious food, and monitoring of nutritional status. Cooperation between related institutions, such as Puskesmas, Schools, and Communities, is also crucial in implementing programs that support the improvement of nutritional status and adolescent food consumption patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Nutritional Status and Consumption of Teen Eating in the Grovid-19 Pandemic

Q: What is the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on nutritional status and consumption of teenagers?

A: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on various aspects of society, including the way people eat and their nutritional status. Adolescents, in particular, are vulnerable to changes in their nutritional intake, which can affect their overall health and well-being.

Q: What are the key findings of the study on nutritional status and consumption of teenagers in Labuhan Deli Village, Medan City?

A: The study found that the majority of teenagers in Labuhan Deli Village (43.0%) had a normal nutritional status based on Body Mass Index (BMI). Most teenagers eat food three times a day, with carbohydrates (rice) being the main component (87.39%). Animal protein, such as mackerel fish and fried cobs, as well as vegetable protein, such as tempeh and spinach, are also part of their consumption. Vegetables and fruit, such as sweet field oranges, are also consumed. However, there is a proportion of adolescents who consume fast food, such as extra crispy fried chicken (13.9%).

Q: What are the implications of the study's findings on nutritional status and consumption of teenagers?

A: The study's findings indicate that the nutritional status and consumption of adolescent food in Labuhan Deli Village is influenced by factors such as nutritional knowledge, food availability, and eating habits. Low protein intake and high carbohydrate intake, indicating unbalanced consumption patterns. This may be triggered by access to foods that are affordable and easy to obtain, while animal protein which is generally more expensive, may be more difficult to reach.

Q: What are the recommendations for improving the nutritional status and consumption of teenagers?

A: Based on the study's findings, the following recommendations are made:

Increased nutritional knowledge: Educational programs about balanced nutrition and the importance of consumption of nutritious foods need to be given to adolescents.
Increasing access to nutritious food: Food Assistance Program and Promotion of Healthy Food Consumption, such as fruits and vegetables, can help increase adolescent nutritional intake.
Monitoring of nutritional status: Periodic nutritional status monitoring can help detect premature malnutrition and intervention can be done.
Cooperation with various parties: Cooperation between related institutions, such as Puskesmas, Schools, and Communities, is very important in implementing programs that support the improvement of nutritional status and adolescent food consumption patterns.

Q: What are the limitations of the study?

A: This study only focuses on Labuhan Deli Village, and its findings may not apply generally to teenagers in other regions. Further research is needed to explore more in the factors that affect the consumption patterns and nutritional status of adolescents in various regions and backgrounds.

Q: What are the future research directions?

A: Future research should focus on exploring the factors that affect the consumption patterns and nutritional status of adolescents in various regions and backgrounds. This can include studying the impact of cultural and socioeconomic factors on adolescent food consumption and nutritional status.

Q: What are the implications of the study's findings for public health policy and practice?

A: The study's findings highlight the importance of improving the nutritional status and consumption of teenagers. Public health policy and practice should focus on increasing nutritional knowledge, access to nutritious food, and monitoring of nutritional status. Cooperation between related institutions, such as Puskesmas, Schools, and Communities, is also crucial in implementing programs that support the improvement of nutritional status and adolescent food consumption patterns.

Q: What are the potential benefits of improving the nutritional status and consumption of teenagers?

A: Improving the nutritional status and consumption of teenagers can have numerous benefits, including:

Improved overall health and well-being
Reduced risk of chronic diseases, such as obesity and diabetes
Improved cognitive function and academic performance
Increased energy and productivity
Better mental health and well-being

Q: What are the potential challenges in improving the nutritional status and consumption of teenagers?

A: There are several potential challenges in improving the nutritional status and consumption of teenagers, including:

Limited access to nutritious food
Limited nutritional knowledge and education
Cultural and socioeconomic barriers
Limited resources and funding for public health programs

Q: What are the potential solutions to overcome the challenges in improving the nutritional status and consumption of teenagers?

A: There are several potential solutions to overcome the challenges in improving the nutritional status and consumption of teenagers, including:

Increasing access to nutritious food through food assistance programs and promotion of healthy food consumption
Providing nutritional education and education programs for adolescents
Addressing cultural and socioeconomic barriers through community-based programs and initiatives
Increasing resources and funding for public health programs that support the improvement of nutritional status and adolescent food consumption patterns.