Relationship Between The Level Of Education With The Level Of Parental Knowledge About Stunting In Medan Denai District
The Relationship between the Level of Education and Parental Knowledge about Stunting in Medan Denai District
Introduction
Stunting is a condition of growth failure that occurs due to chronic malnutrition, and it is a serious concern in Indonesia. In 2021, the prevalence of stunting in Indonesia reached 24.4 percent, with 13 of 33 districts/cities in North Sumatra Province having a stunting prevalence above 30 percent. Medan Denai District is one of the areas that have experienced serious problems related to child malnutrition, with a high stunting rate. One of the stunting risk factors that needs to be considered is the level of parental education. This study aims to determine the relationship between the level of education and parental knowledge about stunting in Medan Denai District.
Background
Stunting is a condition of growth failure that occurs due to chronic malnutrition. It is a serious concern in Indonesia, where the prevalence of stunting in 2021 reached 24.4 percent. In North Sumatra Province, this condition is also a serious concern, where 13 of 33 districts/cities have a stunting prevalence above 30 percent. Medan Denai District is one of the areas that have experienced serious problems related to child malnutrition, with a high stunting rate. The level of parental education is one of the stunting risk factors that needs to be considered.
Methodology
This study used an analytical observational method with a latitude cut design. The research sample consisted of 96 respondents who are toddlers who live and take their children to kindergarten in Medan Denai District. Respondents involved have fulfilled the established inclusion and exclusion criteria. Bivariate analysis was carried out using Fisher's Exact Test, Kruskal-Wallis H, and Mann-Whitney U to get valid and accurate results.
Results
The results showed that of 96 respondents, 60.4% had a moderate level of knowledge, 30.2% with low levels of knowledge, and 9.4% with high levels of knowledge about stunting. Another interesting finding is the significant relationship between the level of education and the level of parental knowledge regarding stunting, with the value of P = 0.035 (p <0.05).
Discussion
Parents' knowledge about stunting is strongly influenced by the level of education they have. Parents with a higher level of education tend to have better access to information about health and nutrition. Education provides broader insights, helping parents understand the importance of good nutrition and the adverse effects of malnutrition on children's growth.
In Medan Denai District, where the prevalence of stunting is very high, it is important to increase parents' awareness and knowledge about this problem. Health education programs aimed at parents, especially for those who have a low level of education, can be an effective step in dealing with stunting problems. By providing appropriate information about nutrition and child care, it is hoped that the level of parents' knowledge will increase, which in turn can contribute to reducing stunting.
Conclusion
Thus, it can be concluded that the level of education has an important role in parents' knowledge of stunting. Efforts to improve parental education and provide adequate access to information are very crucial in overcoming the problem of stunting in the community, especially in areas with high prevalence such as Medan Denai District.
Recommendations
In addition, collaboration efforts between the government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and educational institutions can also help in increasing parental knowledge. Programs such as seminars, workshops, and counseling involving nutritionists and health workers are very necessary. Through a comprehensive approach, it is expected that an increase in public awareness about the importance of balanced nutrition and stunting prevention, so that children in Medan Denai District can grow healthy and optimal.
Limitations
This study has some limitations. The sample size is relatively small, and the study only focused on Medan Denai District. Future studies can be conducted to explore the relationship between the level of education and parental knowledge about stunting in other areas.
Future Research Directions
Future research can be conducted to explore the relationship between the level of education and parental knowledge about stunting in other areas. Additionally, studies can be conducted to identify the factors that influence parental knowledge about stunting, such as socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, and cultural beliefs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this study found a significant relationship between the level of education and parental knowledge about stunting in Medan Denai District. Parents with a higher level of education tend to have better access to information about health and nutrition, which can contribute to reducing stunting. Efforts to improve parental education and provide adequate access to information are very crucial in overcoming the problem of stunting in the community, especially in areas with high prevalence such as Medan Denai District.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Relationship between the Level of Education and Parental Knowledge about Stunting
Q: What is stunting, and why is it a concern in Indonesia?
A: Stunting is a condition of growth failure that occurs due to chronic malnutrition. It is a serious concern in Indonesia, where the prevalence of stunting in 2021 reached 24.4 percent. Stunting can have long-term effects on a child's health, cognitive development, and economic productivity.
Q: What is the relationship between the level of education and parental knowledge about stunting?
A: The level of education has a significant relationship with parental knowledge about stunting. Parents with a higher level of education tend to have better access to information about health and nutrition, which can contribute to reducing stunting.
Q: How can parents with a low level of education improve their knowledge about stunting?
A: Parents with a low level of education can improve their knowledge about stunting by attending health education programs, workshops, and counseling sessions. These programs can provide them with information about nutrition and child care, which can help them make informed decisions about their child's health.
Q: What are some effective strategies for reducing stunting in Medan Denai District?
A: Effective strategies for reducing stunting in Medan Denai District include:
- Improving parental education and providing adequate access to information about health and nutrition
- Implementing health education programs for parents, especially those with a low level of education
- Providing access to healthcare services, including nutrition counseling and health check-ups
- Promoting breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life
- Encouraging parents to provide a balanced diet for their children
Q: What role can the government, NGOs, and educational institutions play in reducing stunting in Medan Denai District?
A: The government, NGOs, and educational institutions can play a crucial role in reducing stunting in Medan Denai District by:
- Providing funding and resources for health education programs and healthcare services
- Collaborating with local communities and organizations to implement effective strategies for reducing stunting
- Providing training and capacity-building programs for healthcare workers and educators
- Promoting awareness and education about the importance of nutrition and child care
Q: What are some potential challenges in reducing stunting in Medan Denai District?
A: Some potential challenges in reducing stunting in Medan Denai District include:
- Limited access to healthcare services and health education programs
- Limited awareness and education about the importance of nutrition and child care
- Limited resources and funding for health education programs and healthcare services
- Limited capacity and expertise among healthcare workers and educators
Q: What are some potential solutions to these challenges?
A: Some potential solutions to these challenges include:
- Increasing funding and resources for health education programs and healthcare services
- Improving access to healthcare services and health education programs
- Providing training and capacity-building programs for healthcare workers and educators
- Promoting awareness and education about the importance of nutrition and child care
Q: What are some potential long-term benefits of reducing stunting in Medan Denai District?
A: Some potential long-term benefits of reducing stunting in Medan Denai District include:
- Improved health and well-being of children
- Improved cognitive development and educational outcomes
- Improved economic productivity and economic growth
- Improved quality of life for families and communities
Q: What are some potential next steps for reducing stunting in Medan Denai District?
A: Some potential next steps for reducing stunting in Medan Denai District include:
- Conducting further research and evaluation to identify effective strategies for reducing stunting
- Implementing and scaling up effective strategies for reducing stunting
- Building partnerships and collaborations with local communities, organizations, and stakeholders to reduce stunting
- Promoting awareness and education about the importance of nutrition and child care.