The Pematang Panjang Puskesmas area in Batubara Regency is one of the areas with high rates of malnutrition

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 49 views

Analysis of Factors Affecting Children's Nutritional Status Age 0-24 Months: Positive Deviance Study from Poor Families in the Pematang Panjang Puskesmas Work Area of Batubara Regency

Introduction

The growth and development of children at the age of 0 to 24 months is a very crucial period, known as the "critical period". At this stage of growth, children experience physical and brain development that is very fast, so the need for good nutrition is very high. However, in a poor family environment, often children face serious challenges in getting sufficient nutrition, which can have implications for their growth and development. Nutritional status is a critical factor in determining the health and well-being of children, and it is essential to identify the factors that affect it.

Background

In a poor family environment, children often face challenges in getting sufficient nutrition, which can have implications for their growth and development. Malnutrition is a significant public health problem in many developing countries, including Indonesia. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), malnutrition is responsible for approximately 45% of all deaths in children under the age of 5. In Indonesia, the prevalence of malnutrition among children under the age of 5 is estimated to be around 30%. The Pematang Panjang Puskesmas area in Batubara Regency is one of the areas with high rates of malnutrition.

Methodology

This study aims to analyze the factors that affect the nutritional status of children aged 0-24 months with a positive deviance approach. The method used is quantitative research that is equipped with qualitative data through a survey with a cross-sectional approach. The data collected includes family characteristics, children's characteristics, and parental behavior in childcare. This study also examined how all these factors affect the nutritional status of children, as well as efforts made by parents in improving the nutritional status of children.

Sampling and Data Analysis

The total samples taken were 90 respondents from 10 villages using proportional sampling techniques. Data analysis was carried out by bivariate statistical test using Chi-Square at a 95% confidence level, and multivariate analysis using logistics regression tests. As for qualitative data, interviews were conducted to 5 mothers as informants.

Results

The results showed that variables such as maternal education, work, child birth weight, knowledge, attitudes, and interactions between mothers and children affect the nutritional status of children aged 0-24 months from poor families in the Pematang Panjang Puskesmas area, Coal Regency. Among all of these variables, mother's education is seen as the most dominant factor, with an odds ratio (OR) value of 11,254, which shows a significant effect when associated with the nutritional status of children.

Discussion

The results of this study highlight the importance of maternal education in determining the nutritional status of children. Mothers with higher education levels are more likely to provide their children with nutritious food and to have better knowledge about childcare. The study also found that child birth weight, knowledge, attitudes, and interactions between mothers and children are also significant factors in determining the nutritional status of children.

Conclusion

This research provides valuable insight into the challenges faced by poor families in meeting the nutritional needs of children. By understanding and educating the public about good care, it is hoped that the nutritional status of children in the area can increase significantly, produce a healthier and competitive generation in the future. The local Health Office and Puskesmas must increase their support for the community, especially mothers, in paying attention to parenting and the provision of nutritious food.

Recommendations

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

The local Health Office and Puskesmas must increase their support for the community, especially mothers, in paying attention to parenting and the provision of nutritious food.
The role of Posyandu must be strengthened through socialization, counseling, and counseling regarding the importance of the nutritional status of children.
The community needs to be given better knowledge about the health and care of children, so that their attitudes and behavior in maintaining the nutritional status of children can increase, regardless of their education and work.

Limitations

This study has several limitations. The sample size is relatively small, and the study was conducted in a specific area, which may limit the generalizability of the results. The study also relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to biases and errors.

Future Research Directions

This study highlights the importance of maternal education in determining the nutritional status of children. Future research should focus on developing interventions to improve maternal education and knowledge about childcare. The study also suggests that child birth weight, knowledge, attitudes, and interactions between mothers and children are significant factors in determining the nutritional status of children. Future research should investigate the relationship between these factors and nutritional status in more detail.
Q&A: Analysis of Factors Affecting Children's Nutritional Status Age 0-24 Months: Positive Deviance Study from Poor Families in the Pematang Panjang Puskesmas Work Area of Batubara Regency

Q: What is the significance of the 0-24 months period in a child's life?

A: The 0-24 months period is a critical period in a child's life, known as the "critical period". During this stage, children experience fast physical and brain development, making good nutrition essential for their growth and development.

Q: What are the challenges faced by poor families in meeting the nutritional needs of children?

A: Poor families often face challenges in getting sufficient nutrition for their children, which can have implications for their growth and development. Malnutrition is a significant public health problem in many developing countries, including Indonesia.

Q: What is the purpose of this study?

A: This study aims to analyze the factors that affect the nutritional status of children aged 0-24 months with a positive deviance approach. The study examines how family characteristics, children's characteristics, and parental behavior in childcare affect the nutritional status of children.

Q: What methods were used in this study?

A: The study used quantitative research with qualitative data through a survey with a cross-sectional approach. The data collected includes family characteristics, children's characteristics, and parental behavior in childcare.

Q: What were the results of this study?

A: The results showed that variables such as maternal education, work, child birth weight, knowledge, attitudes, and interactions between mothers and children affect the nutritional status of children aged 0-24 months from poor families in the Pematang Panjang Puskesmas area, Coal Regency. Among all of these variables, mother's education is seen as the most dominant factor.

Q: What are the implications of this study?

A: The study highlights the importance of maternal education in determining the nutritional status of children. Mothers with higher education levels are more likely to provide their children with nutritious food and to have better knowledge about childcare.

Q: What recommendations are made based on the results of this study?

A: The local Health Office and Puskesmas must increase their support for the community, especially mothers, in paying attention to parenting and the provision of nutritious food. The role of Posyandu must be strengthened through socialization, counseling, and counseling regarding the importance of the nutritional status of children.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The study has several limitations, including a relatively small sample size and the study was conducted in a specific area, which may limit the generalizability of the results. The study also relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to biases and errors.

Q: What are the future research directions based on this study?

A: Future research should focus on developing interventions to improve maternal education and knowledge about childcare. The study also suggests that child birth weight, knowledge, attitudes, and interactions between mothers and children are significant factors in determining the nutritional status of children. Future research should investigate the relationship between these factors and nutritional status in more detail.

Q: What are the implications for public health policy based on this study?

A: The study highlights the importance of maternal education in determining the nutritional status of children. Public health policy should focus on improving maternal education and knowledge about childcare to improve the nutritional status of children. The study also suggests that child birth weight, knowledge, attitudes, and interactions between mothers and children are significant factors in determining the nutritional status of children. Public health policy should also focus on improving these factors to improve the nutritional status of children.