Increasing Maternal Knowledge and Awareness

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 84 views

Introduction

Diarrhea is a serious health problem that can threaten the lives of children under five years, especially in developing countries. In Indonesia, based on the health profile of North Sumatra in 2016, it is estimated that there are 26,025 residents of Medan City suffering from diarrhea, including children. This condition is a serious concern because diarrhea can cause loss of nutrients and body fluids, which in turn can interfere with the nutritional status of children. Children who experience diarrhea, if they do not get adequate nutritional intake, will be vulnerable to malnutrition, even potentially experiencing malnutrition.

Background of the Study

This study examines a picture of nutritional intake, diarrhea, and nutritional status of children aged 12-59 months who live in the suburbs of the Medan Denai District railroad. This study uses a descriptive method with a cross-sectional approach, involving 42 children as a sample. The study aims to provide an overview of the condition of nutritional intake, diarrhea incidence, and nutritional status of children in the region.

Methodology

The study uses a descriptive method with a cross-sectional approach, involving 42 children as a sample. The data collection was conducted through interviews with mothers and children, as well as observations of the living environment. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, and mean.

Results

The results showed that most children in this region have sufficient energy and protein intake, but there are still proportions of children who have less energy, protein, and fat intake. The incidence of diarrhea in children aged 12-59 months in the last three months was recorded at 28.6%. Meanwhile, based on the weight index according to age, 14.3% of children experience malnutrition, while the other 85.7% are good nutrition.

Discussion

Several factors can be a cause of nutritional intake, diarrhea, and nutritional status of children in the railroad of Medan Denai sub-railroad settlements, including:

Economic Factors

Poverty and lack of access to nutritious food can be a cause of a lack of nutritional intake of children. In the railroad settlements, many families struggle to make ends meet, and as a result, they may not have access to nutritious food, leading to malnutrition.

Environmental Factors

Lack of sanitation and good hygiene in the railroad sewers can increase the risk of diarrhea. The railroad settlements often lack proper sanitation and hygiene facilities, making it difficult for children to maintain good hygiene practices, which can lead to the spread of diarrhea.

Health Factors

Lack of mother's knowledge and awareness about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding, immunization, and balanced nutrition can be a risk factor for diarrhea and malnutrition. In the railroad settlements, many mothers may not have access to proper healthcare and nutrition education, leading to a lack of knowledge about how to prevent diarrhea and malnutrition.

Conclusion

The results of this study provide an overview of the condition of nutritional intake, diarrhea incidence, and nutritional status of children in the region. The study highlights the importance of increasing maternal knowledge and awareness, increasing access to nutritious food, improving sanitation and hygiene, and increasing access to health services to prevent diarrhea and malnutrition.

Recommendation

Based on the results of this study, several recommendations can be given to improve the nutritional status of children and prevent diarrhea:

Increasing Maternal Knowledge and Awareness

It is essential to increase the mother's knowledge and awareness about the importance of balanced nutritional intake, exclusive breastfeeding, immunization, and ways to prevent diarrhea. This can be achieved through education and training programs for mothers.

Increasing Access to Nutritious Food

The government and various parties need to increase children's access to nutritious food, through the Food Assistance and Education Program on Balanced Nutrition. This can include providing food assistance to families in need and promoting healthy eating habits.

Improvement of Sanitation and Hygiene

It is necessary to make efforts to increase sanitation and hygiene in the railroad sewers, through the construction of clean water facilities, latrines, and counseling on personal and environmental hygiene.

Increasing Access to Health Services

It is necessary to make efforts to increase children's access to health services, including immunization, and handling diarrhea. This can include providing access to healthcare facilities and promoting health education.

By increasing awareness and knowledge of mothers, increasing access to nutritious food, increasing environmental sanitation and hygiene, and increasing access to health services, it is expected to reduce the incidence of diarrhea and increase the nutritional status of children in the railroads of the Medan Denai District railroad.

Q1: What is the main cause of diarrhea in children aged 12-59 months in the railroad settlements of Medan Denai District?

A1: The main cause of diarrhea in children aged 12-59 months in the railroad settlements of Medan Denai District is a combination of economic, environmental, and health factors. Poverty and lack of access to nutritious food, lack of sanitation and good hygiene, and lack of mother's knowledge and awareness about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding, immunization, and balanced nutrition are some of the key factors contributing to the high incidence of diarrhea in this region.

Q2: What are the consequences of diarrhea on the nutritional status of children?

A2: Diarrhea can cause loss of nutrients and body fluids, which in turn can interfere with the nutritional status of children. Children who experience diarrhea, if they do not get adequate nutritional intake, will be vulnerable to malnutrition, even potentially experiencing malnutrition.

Q3: What are the recommendations to improve the nutritional status of children and prevent diarrhea?

A3: Based on the results of this study, several recommendations can be given to improve the nutritional status of children and prevent diarrhea:

Increasing maternal knowledge and awareness about the importance of balanced nutritional intake, exclusive breastfeeding, immunization, and ways to prevent diarrhea.
Increasing access to nutritious food through the Food Assistance and Education Program on Balanced Nutrition.
Improving sanitation and hygiene in the railroad sewers through the construction of clean water facilities, latrines, and counseling on personal and environmental hygiene.
Increasing access to health services, including immunization, and handling diarrhea.

Q4: How can mothers increase their knowledge and awareness about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding, immunization, and balanced nutrition?

A4: Mothers can increase their knowledge and awareness about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding, immunization, and balanced nutrition through education and training programs. This can include attending workshops, seminars, and counseling sessions provided by healthcare professionals and nutrition experts.

Q5: What are the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding for children?

A5: Exclusive breastfeeding provides several benefits for children, including:

Providing essential nutrients and antibodies that help protect against infections.
Reducing the risk of diarrhea and other gastrointestinal infections.
Promoting healthy growth and development.
Enhancing cognitive development and academic performance.

Q6: How can families in the railroad settlements access nutritious food?

A6: Families in the railroad settlements can access nutritious food through various channels, including:

Food assistance programs provided by the government and non-governmental organizations.
Community-based initiatives that promote local food production and distribution.
Education and training programs that teach families about healthy eating habits and food preparation.

Q7: What are the consequences of malnutrition on the health and well-being of children?

A7: Malnutrition can have severe consequences on the health and well-being of children, including:

Stunted growth and development.
Increased risk of infections and diseases.
Poor cognitive development and academic performance.
Increased risk of mortality.

Q8: How can healthcare professionals and nutrition experts support families in the railroad settlements?

A8: Healthcare professionals and nutrition experts can support families in the railroad settlements by:

Providing education and training on healthy eating habits and food preparation.
Conducting regular health checks and screenings.
Providing access to nutritious food and food assistance programs.
Counseling families on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding, immunization, and balanced nutrition.

By addressing the key factors contributing to the high incidence of diarrhea and malnutrition in the railroad settlements of Medan Denai District, we can work towards improving the nutritional status of children and promoting healthy growth and development.