Factors related to the nutritional status of children under five in the working area of the Sambas Port Puskesmas City Sibolga

Oct 13, 2025 by magicalceylontours.com 78 views

Factors related to the nutritional status of children under five in the working area of the Sambas Port Puskesmas City Sibolga

Introduction

Nutritional status is a crucial aspect of a person's health, reflecting the balance between nutritional needs and the intake received. In the context of toddlers, nutritional status plays a vital role in their growth and development. This study aims to determine the relationship between energy intake, protein intake, education, income, mother's knowledge, and infectious diseases with the nutritional status of children under five in the working area of the Sambas Port Puskesmas, Sibolga City.

Methodology

The method used in this study is an analytic research design with the cross-sectional study approach, which is included in the category of quantitative research. The samples used in this study amounted to 95 children under five. For data collection, Questionnaires and Forms 24-Hour Recall are used. The data collected comes from primary and secondary sources. Primary data collection is carried out through interviews, observation, and measurement of weight and height of the child. Secondary data sources were obtained from the Sambas Port Health Center. For data analysis collected, the Chi-Square test statistics are used.

Results

The results showed that there was a significant relationship between the level of energy intake, protein intake, family income, level of education, and infectious diseases of the nutritional status of children under five measured based on body weight. In addition, this study also found that there is a relationship between nutritional status and infectious diseases based on BB/TB indicators (weight/height). Meanwhile, factors that do not have a significant relationship with the nutritional status of children under five in the Sambas Port Puskesmas area are based on indicators of TB/U (height/age) and BB/TB.

Discussion

From the results of the research above, we can see that various factors such as nutritional intake, education, and economic conditions of the family have a direct impact on the nutritional status of children under five. Energy and protein intake which is sufficiently very important in the physical growth of children. When children do not get enough energy and protein, they are at risk of experiencing nutritional problems that can have an impact on their overall health and development.

The Role of Mother's Education

Mother's education also has an important role in this regard. Mothers who have a higher level of education tend to have better knowledge about children's nutrition and health, so as to provide better intake for their children. This is because educated mothers are more likely to have access to information about healthy eating habits and nutrition, which enables them to make informed decisions about their child's diet.

The Impact of Family Income

Family income is also very influential, because higher income allows families to access nutritious food and health services needed. When families have a higher income, they are more likely to be able to afford healthy food options, which can help to improve the nutritional status of their children. Additionally, higher income families may also have access to better healthcare services, which can help to prevent and treat nutritional problems.

The Role of Infectious Diseases

Infectious disease is another factor that worsens the nutritional status of children. When children have an infection, they need more energy and nutrients to restore health, but sometimes their appetite decreases. This makes children more vulnerable to nutritional problems. Therefore, it is essential to provide children with adequate nutrition and healthcare to prevent and treat infectious diseases.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of various factors such as nutritional intake, education, and economic conditions of the family in determining the nutritional status of children under five. Energy and protein intake, mother's education, family income, and infectious diseases are all significant factors that can impact the nutritional status of children. Therefore, it is essential to develop an intervention program that targets these factors to ensure that children receive optimal nutrition.

Recommendations

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

Counseling programs on nutrition should be implemented to educate mothers about healthy eating habits and nutrition.
Increasing access to education for mothers is essential to improve their knowledge about children's nutrition and health.
Economic empowerment programs should be implemented to increase family income and improve access to nutritious food and health services.
Healthcare services should be improved to prevent and treat infectious diseases.

By paying attention to all these aspects, we can work towards a healthier future for children in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Nutritional Status of Children under Five in the Sambas Port Puskesmas Area

Q: What is the significance of nutritional status in children under five?

A: Nutritional status is crucial in children under five as it affects their growth and development. Adequate nutrition is essential for children to develop physically, cognitively, and emotionally.

Q: What are the factors that affect the nutritional status of children under five?

A: The factors that affect the nutritional status of children under five include energy and protein intake, mother's education, family income, and infectious diseases.

Q: How does energy and protein intake affect the nutritional status of children under five?

A: Energy and protein intake are essential for the physical growth of children. When children do not get enough energy and protein, they are at risk of experiencing nutritional problems that can have an impact on their overall health and development.

Q: What is the role of mother's education in determining the nutritional status of children under five?

A: Mother's education plays a significant role in determining the nutritional status of children under five. Mothers who have a higher level of education tend to have better knowledge about children's nutrition and health, which enables them to provide better intake for their children.

Q: How does family income affect the nutritional status of children under five?

A: Family income is a significant factor that affects the nutritional status of children under five. Higher income allows families to access nutritious food and health services needed, which can help to improve the nutritional status of their children.

Q: What is the impact of infectious diseases on the nutritional status of children under five?

A: Infectious diseases can worsen the nutritional status of children under five. When children have an infection, they need more energy and nutrients to restore health, but sometimes their appetite decreases, making them more vulnerable to nutritional problems.

Q: What are the recommendations for improving the nutritional status of children under five in the Sambas Port Puskesmas area?

A: The recommendations for improving the nutritional status of children under five in the Sambas Port Puskesmas area include:

Counseling programs on nutrition to educate mothers about healthy eating habits and nutrition
Increasing access to education for mothers to improve their knowledge about children's nutrition and health
Economic empowerment programs to increase family income and improve access to nutritious food and health services
Improved healthcare services to prevent and treat infectious diseases

Q: What is the importance of addressing the nutritional status of children under five in the Sambas Port Puskesmas area?

A: Addressing the nutritional status of children under five in the Sambas Port Puskesmas area is essential to ensure that children receive optimal nutrition and develop physically, cognitively, and emotionally. This can have a long-term impact on the health and well-being of children and the community as a whole.

Q: Who can benefit from the findings of this study?

A: The findings of this study can benefit various stakeholders, including:

Healthcare providers who can use the information to develop targeted interventions to improve the nutritional status of children under five
Policy makers who can use the information to develop policies and programs to improve the nutritional status of children under five
Mothers and caregivers who can use the information to make informed decisions about their child's diet and nutrition
Community leaders who can use the information to develop community-based programs to improve the nutritional status of children under five.