The Effect Of Counseling For Toddlers' Eating Patterns On The Nutritional Status Of Toddlers In Bagan Deli Village, Medan Belawan District

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The Effect of Counseling for Toddlers' Eating Patterns on the Nutritional Status of Toddlers in Bagan Deli Village, Medan Belawan District

Introduction

Malnutrition is a significant public health concern in many parts of the world, including Indonesia. In 2013, the prevalence of malnutrition among toddlers in North Sumatra reached 22.4%, which is higher than the national prevalence of 19.6%. This alarming rate of malnutrition is largely attributed to the low knowledge of mothers about food nutrition and the nutritional needs of their toddlers. As a result, it is essential to increase mothers' knowledge about nutrition and provide them with the right diet for their toddlers. This study aims to examine the effect of dietary counseling on the nutritional status of toddlers in Bagan Deli Village, Medan Belawan District.

Background

Malnutrition is a complex issue that affects not only the physical health of toddlers but also their cognitive and emotional development. In Indonesia, malnutrition is a significant public health concern, particularly in rural areas where access to healthcare and nutrition education is limited. The prevalence of malnutrition among toddlers in North Sumatra is a cause for concern, and it is essential to address this issue through effective interventions.

Methodology

This study uses a Quasi-experimental design with a pre-and-test method. The research location is Bagan Deli Village, and the intervention is in the form of counseling using the lecture method and leaflet material. The interventions are carried out twice a month, focusing on delivering information about the nutritional needs of toddlers and the pattern of proper food provision. The research population consists of 27 mothers who have toddlers with malnutrition status. The data collected includes:

  • Mother's knowledge measured through questionnaires before and after counseling
  • Toddlers' eating patterns evaluated using 24-hour food recall and food frequency questionnaire
  • Measurement of weight and height of toddlers at the beginning and end of the study using Dacin and Microtoise scales

Data Analysis

The data analysis was carried out using the paired sample t-test. The results showed a significant effect of counseling on mother's knowledge of toddlers' diet, with a p-value <0.05 (p = 0.0001). In addition, there is a significant influence on the body weight of the toddlers according to age (p = 0.0001) and body weight according to height (p = 0.0001).

Results

The results of this study show that the counseling given succeeded in increasing the mother's knowledge, which further changed their behavior in compiling a better diet for toddlers. This can be seen from the increase in the amount of nutritional intake that meets the energy, protein, fat, and carbohydrate needs, so that the nutritional status of toddlers has also improved.

Discussion

The results of this study are consistent with previous studies that have shown the effectiveness of counseling in improving mothers' knowledge and behavior related to nutrition. The increase in mother's knowledge and behavior is likely to have a positive impact on the nutritional status of toddlers. The counseling given in this study focused on delivering information about the nutritional needs of toddlers and the pattern of proper food provision. This approach is likely to be effective in improving mothers' knowledge and behavior related to nutrition.

Conclusion

Based on the results of this study, it is recommended that the Puskesmas and related agencies more actively conduct counseling about nutrition to mothers who have toddlers. This is important to improve and maintain the nutritional status of toddlers, as well as prevent the occurrence of malnutrition problems in the future. With good knowledge about the correct diet, it is hoped that mothers can provide optimal nutritional intake for the growth and development of their children.

Recommendations

  • The Puskesmas and related agencies should more actively conduct counseling about nutrition to mothers who have toddlers.
  • The counseling should focus on delivering information about the nutritional needs of toddlers and the pattern of proper food provision.
  • The government and the community should collaborate to provide access to healthcare and nutrition education in rural areas.
  • The prevalence of malnourished toddlers can be reduced, and the welfare of future generations can be guaranteed with the right steps and collaboration between the government and the community.

Limitations

This study has several limitations. The sample size is relatively small, and the study was conducted in a single village. The results may not be generalizable to other populations. Additionally, the study did not control for other factors that may influence the nutritional status of toddlers, such as socioeconomic status and access to healthcare.

Future Directions

Future studies should aim to replicate this study in other populations and settings. Additionally, studies should investigate the long-term effects of counseling on the nutritional status of toddlers. The government and the community should also collaborate to provide access to healthcare and nutrition education in rural areas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Effect of Counseling for Toddlers' Eating Patterns on the Nutritional Status of Toddlers in Bagan Deli Village, Medan Belawan District

Q: What is the main objective of this study?

A: The main objective of this study is to examine the effect of dietary counseling on the nutritional status of toddlers in Bagan Deli Village, Medan Belawan District.

Q: What is the prevalence of malnutrition among toddlers in North Sumatra?

A: The prevalence of malnutrition among toddlers in North Sumatra is 22.4%, which is higher than the national prevalence of 19.6%.

Q: What is the research design used in this study?

A: This study uses a Quasi-experimental design with a pre-and-test method.

Q: What is the intervention given in this study?

A: The intervention given in this study is in the form of counseling using the lecture method and leaflet material.

Q: How often are the interventions carried out?

A: The interventions are carried out twice a month.

Q: What are the data collected in this study?

A: The data collected in this study includes:

  • Mother's knowledge measured through questionnaires before and after counseling
  • Toddlers' eating patterns evaluated using 24-hour food recall and food frequency questionnaire
  • Measurement of weight and height of toddlers at the beginning and end of the study using Dacin and Microtoise scales

Q: What is the data analysis method used in this study?

A: The data analysis is carried out using the paired sample t-test.

Q: What are the results of this study?

A: The results of this study show that the counseling given succeeded in increasing the mother's knowledge, which further changed their behavior in compiling a better diet for toddlers. This can be seen from the increase in the amount of nutritional intake that meets the energy, protein, fat, and carbohydrate needs, so that the nutritional status of toddlers has also improved.

Q: What are the recommendations of this study?

A: The recommendations of this study are:

  • The Puskesmas and related agencies should more actively conduct counseling about nutrition to mothers who have toddlers.
  • The counseling should focus on delivering information about the nutritional needs of toddlers and the pattern of proper food provision.
  • The government and the community should collaborate to provide access to healthcare and nutrition education in rural areas.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The limitations of this study are:

  • The sample size is relatively small.
  • The study was conducted in a single village.
  • The results may not be generalizable to other populations.
  • The study did not control for other factors that may influence the nutritional status of toddlers, such as socioeconomic status and access to healthcare.

Q: What are the future directions of this study?

A: The future directions of this study are:

  • To replicate this study in other populations and settings.
  • To investigate the long-term effects of counseling on the nutritional status of toddlers.
  • To collaborate with the government and the community to provide access to healthcare and nutrition education in rural areas.

Q: What are the implications of this study?

A: The implications of this study are:

  • The importance of counseling in improving mothers' knowledge and behavior related to nutrition.
  • The need for the Puskesmas and related agencies to more actively conduct counseling about nutrition to mothers who have toddlers.
  • The importance of collaboration between the government and the community to provide access to healthcare and nutrition education in rural areas.