Proper nutrition is crucial

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 15 views

The Influence of Nutritional Education about the First 1000 Days of Life with Media Booklets on the Knowledge and Attitudes of SMK Negeri 1 Gunung Meriah, Aceh Singkil Regency

Introduction

Nutritional problems faced by young women, especially those who are prospective mothers, are a serious concern because it can have a negative impact on their health during pregnancy, labor process, and newborn health. Proper nutrition is crucial for the development of a healthy fetus, and inadequate nutrition can lead to various health complications. To anticipate this problem, education about the first 1000 days of life, which includes an important period of conception for the first two years, is very necessary. This study aims to evaluate the effect of nutritional education about the first 1000 days of life using media booklets on the knowledge and attitudes of students at SMK Negeri 1 Gunung Meriah, Aceh Singkil Regency.

Background

Nutritional education is an essential component of public health, and it plays a vital role in promoting healthy behaviors and preventing nutritional problems. Effective nutritional education can increase knowledge and awareness about the importance of nutrition, leading to positive attitudes and behaviors. In Indonesia, nutritional problems are a significant concern, especially among young women. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Indonesia has one of the highest rates of maternal mortality in Southeast Asia. Nutritional education can help reduce this risk by promoting healthy behaviors and preventing nutritional problems.

Methodology

This study uses a quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest approach and a comparison group. In this study, the sample was divided into two groups, each consisting of 38 students. The treatment group gets intervention through nutritional education delivered with media booklets, while the control group does not get intervention. Nutrition education activities are carried out by lecture methods, and the knowledge and attitudes of students are measured twice, namely before and after nutritional education. Data analysis was carried out using the Independent Sample T-Test test to see a significant difference.

Results

The results showed a significant influence of nutritional education about the first 1000 days of life using media booklets on increasing student knowledge (p = 0,000) and student attitudes (p = 0.040) at SMK Negeri 1 Gunung Meriah. This finding shows that the educational approach using effective media booklets in increasing understanding and positive attitudes of young women towards the importance of nutrition in this critical period.

Discussion

The results of this study are consistent with previous studies that have shown the effectiveness of nutritional education in increasing knowledge and attitudes towards nutrition. Effective nutritional education can promote healthy behaviors and prevent nutritional problems, leading to improved health outcomes. In this study, the use of media booklets as an educational tool was found to be effective in increasing knowledge and attitudes towards nutrition. This finding suggests that media booklets can be a useful tool in promoting nutritional education, especially in the context of the first 1000 days of life.

Conclusion

Adequate nutritional education is very important to prepare a healthy future generation. The Health Office and the Education Office in Aceh Singkil Regency are advised to utilize media booklets as educational tools in increasing the knowledge and positive attitudes of students related to nutrition, especially in the context of the first 1000 days of life. Thus, preventive steps to nutritional problems can be more effective and sustainable, contributing to overall public health.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

The Health Office and the Education Office in Aceh Singkil Regency should utilize media booklets as educational tools in increasing the knowledge and positive attitudes of students related to nutrition, especially in the context of the first 1000 days of life.
Nutritional education should be integrated into the curriculum of SMK Negeri 1 Gunung Meriah, Aceh Singkil Regency, to promote healthy behaviors and prevent nutritional problems.
The use of media booklets as an educational tool should be continued and expanded to other schools in Aceh Singkil Regency to promote nutritional education and improve health outcomes.

Limitations

This study has several limitations that should be noted. Firstly, the sample size was relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Secondly, the study only measured knowledge and attitudes towards nutrition, and did not assess behavioral outcomes. Future studies should aim to assess the effectiveness of nutritional education on behavioral outcomes, such as dietary habits and physical activity levels.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to build on the findings of this study by exploring the effectiveness of nutritional education on behavioral outcomes. Studies should also investigate the use of other educational tools, such as mobile apps and social media, in promoting nutritional education. Additionally, research should be conducted to assess the impact of nutritional education on health outcomes, such as maternal and child health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Influence of Nutritional Education on the First 1000 Days of Life

Q: What is the first 1000 days of life?

A: The first 1000 days of life refer to the period from conception to two years of age. This period is critical for the development of a healthy fetus and child, and adequate nutrition is essential for optimal growth and development.

Q: Why is nutritional education important during the first 1000 days of life?

A: Nutritional education is crucial during the first 1000 days of life because it can help prevent nutritional problems, such as malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies, which can have serious health consequences for the mother and child.

Q: What is the role of media booklets in nutritional education?

A: Media booklets can be an effective tool in promoting nutritional education, especially in the context of the first 1000 days of life. They can provide accurate and reliable information about nutrition, and can be used to promote healthy behaviors and prevent nutritional problems.

Q: How can nutritional education be integrated into the curriculum of schools?

A: Nutritional education can be integrated into the curriculum of schools through various methods, such as lectures, workshops, and hands-on activities. Schools can also use media booklets and other educational tools to promote nutritional education.

Q: What are the benefits of nutritional education for the mother and child?

A: Nutritional education can have numerous benefits for the mother and child, including:

Improved health outcomes for the mother and child
Prevention of nutritional problems, such as malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies
Promotion of healthy behaviors, such as breastfeeding and proper feeding practices
Improved cognitive and motor development in children

Q: How can healthcare providers and educators promote nutritional education?

A: Healthcare providers and educators can promote nutritional education by:

Providing accurate and reliable information about nutrition
Using media booklets and other educational tools to promote nutritional education
Integrating nutritional education into the curriculum of schools
Encouraging healthy behaviors, such as breastfeeding and proper feeding practices

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, including:

A relatively small sample size
Limited generalizability of the findings
Limited assessment of behavioral outcomes

Q: What are the future research directions for this study?

A: Future research should aim to:

Assess the effectiveness of nutritional education on behavioral outcomes
Investigate the use of other educational tools, such as mobile apps and social media, in promoting nutritional education
Assess the impact of nutritional education on health outcomes, such as maternal and child health

Q: How can the findings of this study be applied in practice?

A: The findings of this study can be applied in practice by:

Utilizing media booklets and other educational tools to promote nutritional education
Integrating nutritional education into the curriculum of schools
Encouraging healthy behaviors, such as breastfeeding and proper feeding practices
Providing accurate and reliable information about nutrition to healthcare providers and educators.