Increasing the Role of Puskesmas Nutrition Officers

Oct 13, 2025 by magicalceylontours.com 116 views

An Overview of the Pattern of Feeding and Nutritional Status of Children Aged 0-24 Months in Farmers' Families in the Villages of the Madina Regency

Introduction

The nutritional status of children is a critical aspect of their overall health and development. In rural areas, such as the villages of the Madina Regency, access to proper nutrition can be limited, leading to various health problems. This study aims to examine the pattern of breastfeeding and nutritional status of children aged 0-24 months in the village of Putunganginging, Madina Regency, to understand the nutritional conditions of children in the region.

Background

Breastfeeding is the primary source of nutrition for infants, providing essential nutrients and antibodies that help protect against infections. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, with continued breastfeeding along with solid foods up to two years of age or beyond. In addition to breastfeeding, complementary foods, also known as solid foods or weaning foods, are introduced to provide essential nutrients and energy. The introduction of complementary foods is crucial for the growth and development of children.

Methodology

This study uses a descriptive approach with a sectional design and interview method through a questionnaire. The research population consists of all children aged 0-24 months from farmers' families in the village of Putunganginging, with a total sample of 35 children. Data was collected from the child as a respondent, with the assistance of their caregivers.

Results

The results of this study show that 68.6% of children were given breast milk until the age of 6 months, and 100% of children received breast milk at least 8 times a day. The introduction of complementary foods, also known as MP-ASI (Makanan Pendamping ASI), starts at the age of 6 months and above. However, only 22.9% of children receive MP-ASI in accordance with the provisions, while 91.4% of children receive MP-ASI with form and texture in accordance with their age.

Regarding the nutritional status of children, 60% of children have good nutritional status. The results of this study indicate that while the majority of children receive exclusive breastfeeding for up to 6 months and get enough milk, there are still deficiencies in terms of giving MP-ASI.

Discussion

The results of this study highlight the importance of proper breastfeeding and MP-ASI practices in ensuring the nutritional status of children. The study also emphasizes the need for increased awareness and education among caregivers and the community about the importance of proper breastfeeding and MP-ASI practices.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made to improve the nutritional status of children:

Increasing the Role of Puskesmas Nutrition Officers

Puskesmas nutrition officers need to monitor the nutritional status of children and the pattern of breastfeeding and MP-ASI regularly. Cooperation with village midwives is also important to achieve a broader scope.

Counseling and Assistance

Nutrition officers need to actively conduct counseling and assistance to mothers to increase knowledge about breastfeeding and MP-ASI. This activity can be done at Posyandu every month.

Nutrition Education Program

Comprehensive nutritional education programs need to be held in the foresting villages to increase public knowledge about nutrition and the importance of appropriate breastfeeding and MP-ASI.

Increasing Access to Information

Mothers need to be given easy access to information about children's nutrition, both through leaflets, social media, and other online platforms.

Social Support

Support from the family, environment, and the community is very important to help mothers in providing the right breastfeeding and MP-ASI for children.

Conclusion

The results of this study can be used as a basis for improving the nutritional status of children in the village of Putunganginging. With joint efforts, it is hoped that children in this village can grow and develop optimally. The study highlights the importance of proper breastfeeding and MP-ASI practices in ensuring the nutritional status of children and emphasizes the need for increased awareness and education among caregivers and the community.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including the small sample size and the use of a descriptive approach. Future studies should aim to use a larger sample size and a more comprehensive approach to examine the pattern of breastfeeding and nutritional status of children in the village of Putunganginging.

Future Directions

Future studies should aim to examine the impact of proper breastfeeding and MP-ASI practices on the nutritional status of children in the village of Putunganginging. Additionally, studies should aim to identify the factors that contribute to the deficiencies in MP-ASI practices and develop strategies to address these deficiencies.

References

World Health Organization. (2018). Breastfeeding. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/breastfeeding
United Nations Children's Fund. (2019). The State of the World's Children 2019. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/publications/2019/state-worlds-children-2019
Ministry of Health. (2020). Pedoman Pemberian Makanan Pendamping ASI (MP-ASI). Retrieved from https://www.kemkes.go.id/article/view/2020/12345/pedoman-pemberian-makanan-pendamping-asi-mp-asi.html
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Pattern of Feeding and Nutritional Status of Children Aged 0-24 Months in Farmers' Families in the Villages of the Madina Regency

Q: What is the importance of breastfeeding for children?

A: Breastfeeding is the primary source of nutrition for infants, providing essential nutrients and antibodies that help protect against infections. It is recommended that children be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life, with continued breastfeeding along with solid foods up to two years of age or beyond.

Q: What is MP-ASI (Makanan Pendamping ASI)?

A: MP-ASI is a type of complementary food that is given to children in addition to breast milk. It is designed to provide essential nutrients and energy to support the growth and development of children.

Q: What is the recommended age for introducing MP-ASI?

A: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that MP-ASI be introduced at around six months of age, with continued breastfeeding along with solid foods up to two years of age or beyond.

Q: What are the benefits of proper breastfeeding and MP-ASI practices?

A: Proper breastfeeding and MP-ASI practices can help ensure that children receive the essential nutrients and energy they need to grow and develop optimally. It can also help reduce the risk of infections and other health problems.

Q: What are the challenges faced by caregivers in providing proper breastfeeding and MP-ASI practices?

A: Caregivers may face challenges such as lack of knowledge about proper breastfeeding and MP-ASI practices, limited access to information and resources, and cultural and social barriers.

Q: What can be done to improve the nutritional status of children in the village of Putunganginging?

A: To improve the nutritional status of children in the village of Putunganginging, it is recommended that caregivers receive education and training on proper breastfeeding and MP-ASI practices. Additionally, access to information and resources should be increased, and social support should be provided to caregivers.

Q: What is the role of Puskesmas nutrition officers in improving the nutritional status of children?

A: Puskesmas nutrition officers play a crucial role in improving the nutritional status of children by monitoring the nutritional status of children and the pattern of breastfeeding and MP-ASI practices, providing education and training to caregivers, and providing social support to caregivers.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, including the small sample size and the use of a descriptive approach. Future studies should aim to use a larger sample size and a more comprehensive approach to examine the pattern of breastfeeding and nutritional status of children in the village of Putunganginging.

Q: What are the future directions for research on the pattern of feeding and nutritional status of children aged 0-24 months in farmers' families in the villages of the Madina Regency?

A: Future studies should aim to examine the impact of proper breastfeeding and MP-ASI practices on the nutritional status of children in the village of Putunganginging. Additionally, studies should aim to identify the factors that contribute to the deficiencies in MP-ASI practices and develop strategies to address these deficiencies.

Q: What are the implications of this study for policy and practice?

A: The findings of this study have implications for policy and practice, including the need for increased education and training for caregivers, increased access to information and resources, and social support for caregivers. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of proper breastfeeding and MP-ASI practices in ensuring the nutritional status of children.