The Importance of Parenting and Nutritional Status

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 34 views

The Crucial Relationship Between Parenting, Infectious Diseases, and Nutritional Status of Children Under Five in Scavenger Families

Introduction

The toddler period, which encompasses children under five years, is a critical phase in human life. During this time, the growth and physical and mental development of children are significantly influenced by nutritional factors and parenting received. Unfortunately, many toddlers still experience malnutrition, which can have a lasting impact on their future. According to a 2013 data, approximately 17% or 98 million children in developing countries suffer from malnutrition problems. This study aims to explore the relationship between parenting, infectious diseases, and nutritional status of children under five who originate from scavenger families in the Final Disposal Area (TPA) of Garbage, Paya Pasir Village, Medan Marelan District.

The Importance of Parenting and Nutritional Status

Parenting plays a vital role in shaping the nutritional status of children under five. Good parenting, particularly in terms of food provision, can contribute significantly to a child's nutritional status. On the other hand, poor parenting can lead to malnutrition, which can have severe consequences on a child's growth and development. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the importance of proper nutrition for children under five, stating that it is essential for their growth, development, and overall well-being.

The Impact of Infectious Diseases on Nutritional Status

Infectious diseases, such as diarrhea and acute respiratory infections (ARI), can have a devastating impact on a child's nutritional status. These diseases can lead to malnutrition, which can worsen the child's condition and increase the risk of complications. According to the WHO, infectious diseases are a leading cause of malnutrition in children under five, and it is essential to take preventive measures to avoid these diseases.

Research Methodology

This study employed a survey method with a cross-sectional design, involving 84 toddlers who live in Environment I, Paya Pasir Village. The reviewed variables included parenting and infectious diseases. The data obtained were analyzed using the Chi-Square test to determine the relationship between variables.

Main Findings

The results of this study showed that 69 out of 84 toddlers (82.1%) had good nutritional status based on body weight according to age (BB/U), while 64 children (76.2%) had normal nutritional status according to height according to age (TB/U), and 59 children (70.3%) had normal nutritional status based on body weight according to height (BB/TB). Further analysis revealed a significant relationship between parenting, especially in the aspect of food provision, to nutritional status based on BB/U with a value of P = 0.003. Additionally, infectious diseases showed a significant relationship with nutritional status; both based on BB/U (p = 0.003) or BB/TB (p = 0.023).

Analysis and Implications

The results of this study indicate that good parenting, especially in terms of nutritional food, contributes to the nutritional status of children under five. On the other hand, the presence of infectious diseases can worsen the nutritional status of children. This shows that attention to children's health, including efforts to avoid infection, is very important to ensure that children get optimal nutrition.

Recommendations

The community, especially the scavenger families who live near the TPA, should pay more attention to parenting and environmental cleanliness. Encouraging mothers to provide balanced nutritious food is very important so that their children can grow and develop well. By maintaining environmental cleanliness and avoiding bringing children to landfills, it is expected to reduce the risk of infectious diseases.

Conclusion

The toddler period is a very decisive phase for children's development. This study confirms the importance of good parenting and environmental health in supporting the nutritional status of children under five among the scavengers' families. With the right approach, it is expected to reduce the problem of malnutrition and improve the quality of life of children in the future.

Future Directions

This study highlights the need for further research on the relationship between parenting, infectious diseases, and nutritional status of children under five in scavenger families. Additionally, there is a need for interventions that focus on improving parenting practices, reducing the risk of infectious diseases, and promoting environmental cleanliness.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including the small sample size and the cross-sectional design. Future studies should aim to recruit a larger sample size and employ a longitudinal design to better understand the relationship between parenting, infectious diseases, and nutritional status of children under five.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of good parenting and environmental health in supporting the nutritional status of children under five among the scavengers' families. With the right approach, it is expected to reduce the problem of malnutrition and improve the quality of life of children in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Relationship Between Parenting, Infectious Diseases, and Nutritional Status of Children Under Five in Scavenger Families

Q: What is the significance of the toddler period in human life?

A: The toddler period, which encompasses children under five years, is a critical phase in human life. During this time, the growth and physical and mental development of children are significantly influenced by nutritional factors and parenting received.

Q: What is the relationship between parenting and nutritional status of children under five?

A: Good parenting, particularly in terms of food provision, can contribute significantly to a child's nutritional status. On the other hand, poor parenting can lead to malnutrition, which can have severe consequences on a child's growth and development.

Q: How do infectious diseases affect the nutritional status of children under five?

A: Infectious diseases, such as diarrhea and acute respiratory infections (ARI), can have a devastating impact on a child's nutritional status. These diseases can lead to malnutrition, which can worsen the child's condition and increase the risk of complications.

Q: What is the role of the community in supporting the nutritional status of children under five in scavenger families?

A: The community, especially the scavenger families who live near the TPA, should pay more attention to parenting and environmental cleanliness. Encouraging mothers to provide balanced nutritious food is very important so that their children can grow and develop well.

Q: How can parents reduce the risk of infectious diseases in their children?

A: Parents can reduce the risk of infectious diseases in their children by maintaining environmental cleanliness, avoiding bringing children to landfills, and encouraging good hygiene practices.

Q: What are the implications of this study for future research and interventions?

A: This study highlights the need for further research on the relationship between parenting, infectious diseases, and nutritional status of children under five in scavenger families. Additionally, there is a need for interventions that focus on improving parenting practices, reducing the risk of infectious diseases, and promoting environmental cleanliness.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, including the small sample size and the cross-sectional design. Future studies should aim to recruit a larger sample size and employ a longitudinal design to better understand the relationship between parenting, infectious diseases, and nutritional status of children under five.

Q: What are the recommendations for future studies and interventions?

A: Future studies should aim to recruit a larger sample size and employ a longitudinal design to better understand the relationship between parenting, infectious diseases, and nutritional status of children under five. Additionally, interventions should focus on improving parenting practices, reducing the risk of infectious diseases, and promoting environmental cleanliness.

Q: What are the potential consequences of malnutrition in children under five?

A: Malnutrition in children under five can have severe consequences on their growth and development, including stunted growth, delayed cognitive development, and increased risk of infections and diseases.

Q: How can parents ensure that their children receive optimal nutrition?

A: Parents can ensure that their children receive optimal nutrition by providing balanced and nutritious food, maintaining good hygiene practices, and avoiding the risk of infectious diseases.

Q: What is the role of the government and other stakeholders in supporting the nutritional status of children under five in scavenger families?

A: The government and other stakeholders should provide support and resources to scavenger families to improve their parenting practices, reduce the risk of infectious diseases, and promote environmental cleanliness.