Wasting is an acute form of malnutrition among children under five that remains a significant public health problem in Indonesia. This condition is influenced by several factors, including maternal knowledge and child feeding practices. This study aimed to determine the relationship between maternal knowledge and feeding practices with the incidence of Wasting among children aged 6–59 months in Panawakan Village, the working area of Puskesmas Haur Gading in 2026. This study was a quantitative cross-sectional design. A total of 99 respondents were drawn from the sample. Data collected included respondent characteristics, maternal knowledge, parenting practices regarding feeding, and the incidence of Wasting in toddlers. Data were analyzed using univariate tests with frequency tables and bivariate tests using the Spearman Rank correlation test with a significance level of 0.05. The results showed that the majority of toddlers did not experience Wasting (73.7%), while 26.3% experienced Wasting . Most mothers had sufficient knowledge (46.5%) and poor parenting practices (46.5%). Spearman's test results showed a relationship between maternal knowledge and Wasting (p = 0.000; r = 0.373) and between maternal feeding practices and Wasting (p = 0.003; r = 0.299). It is recommended that mothers of toddlers improve their nutritional knowledge and implement appropriate feeding practices to prevent Wasting in toddlers.
Optimal growth and development in children require adequate nutritional status, which can be assessed using body mass index (BMI). In Indonesia, nutritional problems remain prevalent among school-aged children, including in West Java. Poor nutritional status may be associated with an increased burden of dental caries. This study aimed to determine the association between BMI and dental caries status using the HI-BOGI application among students at SDN Cireundeu. An analytic observational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted among 131 students in grades 1–6, aged 6–12 years. Total sampling was used for participant selection. The independent variable was BMI, and the dependent variable was dental caries status. Data were analyzed using the Spearman correlation test. Most respondents (75.6%) were underweight, while 19.1% had normal weight, 3.8% were overweight, and 1.5% had grade 1 obesity. Regarding dental caries status, 48.1% of respondents had very high caries severity, 21.4% had high severity, 21.4% had moderate severity, 3.1% had low severity, and 6.1% had very low severity. Spearman correlation analysis demonstrated a significant negative association between BMI and dental caries status (r = −0.371; p < 0.01). These findings indicate that lower BMI was associated with greater dental caries severity, whereas children with higher or normal BMI tended to have lower caries severity. The findings highlight the importance of addressing nutritional status as part of comprehensive oral health promotion and preventive dental care among school-aged children.
Background: Multinational food and beverage corporations, collectively termed 'Big Food,' contribute substantially to the global obesity crisis through deliberate product formulation, distribution, sales and marketing. Although food marketing in schools is recognized as a contributor to unhealthy dietary behaviors, evidence on its extent in South African secondary schools is limited. Objective: To identify food and non-alcoholic beverage marketing and sponsorship at secondary schools in the City of Cape Town. Methods: An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted in 37 purposively selected public secondary schools from the two largest educational districts in Cape Town. Fieldworkers captured observations of food and non-alcoholic beverage marketing material (names/logos/brands) visible from outside the school premises and within public view. A web-based search was also done to identify marketing and sponsorship activities on schools’ website pages and Twitter/X accounts. Prominently observed food and non-alcoholic beverage companies were invited to complete an online survey. Results: A total of 137 sightings of visible marketing and sponsorship materials from 35 food and non-alcoholic beverage companies were recorded in and around school premises, on school websites and Twitter/X accounts. One hundred sightings were recorded in and around school premises at 89.2% of the schools, with materials mostly displayed on signboards (40%), retail stores (33%), banners (7%), and flags (5%). The predominant company observed was The Coca-Cola Company, contributing 31.4% of the total sightings. Second was the Spar Group (12.4%). The most observed product was sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), contributing 29.2% of the total sightings. No online questionnaires were completed by the seven most prominent companies sighted and approached, regardless of repeated reminders. Conclusions: Food and non-alcoholic beverage marketing and sponsorship were widespread across secondary schools, with SSBs being the most prominent single category, followed by companies and supermarkets that manufacture or sell a combination of ultra-processed food and SSBs. These findings support the need for stronger regulatory measures to protect children and adolescents from unhealthy food marketing within school environments.
Lisanne du Plessis, Kirsty Louw, Henriëtte Joubert et al.
Nutrition education strengthens maternal feeding capacity, but its impact on growth may be limited without food support. Objective: To assess the effect of maternal nutrition education, a booklet, and purple sweet potato supplementary feeding for 14 days on weight-for-height z-scores and maternal knowledge. This quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control group study involved 60 mother-child pairs, with 30 participants in each group. Paired t-tests, independent t-tests of change scores, and ANCOVA were applied.
Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) is a major public health problem in children, contributing to high morbidity, mortality, and impaired neurodevelopment. While nutritional rehabilitation improves survival and physical growth, its effect on cognitive, motor, language, and social development remains inadequately explored. Objective: To evaluate the impact of nutritional rehabilitation on neurodevelopmental outcomes in children aged 1–6 years with SAM. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted over six months in the Department of Paediatrics of Khairpur Medical College, Sindh. A total of 150 children aged 1–6 years diagnosed with SAM (according to WHO criteria: weight-for-height Z-score < −3 SD or mid-upper arm circumference < 11.5 cm) were enrolled. Participants received eight weeks of standardized nutritional rehabilitation, including therapeutic feeding and micronutrient supplementation, along with management of associated complications. Anthropometric parameters and neurodevelopmental domains (cognitive, motor, language, and social) were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Data were analysed using SPSS version 23, applying paired t-tests and chi-square tests, with p<0.05 considered significant. Results: Significant improvements were observed in weight (7.3 ± 1.4 vs. 9.2 ± 1.6 kg), MUAC (10.4 ± 0.9 vs. 12.5 ± 1.1 cm), and weight-for-height Z-score (−3.42 ± 0.51 vs. −2.18 ± 0.47) (p < 0.001). Neurodevelopmental scores improved significantly across all domains (p < 0.001). The proportion of children with normal development increased from 20.0% to 53.3%, while moderate developmental delay decreased from 33.3% to 14.7%. Conclusions: Nutritional rehabilitation significantly improves both growth and neurodevelopment in children with SAM. Early identification and timely intervention are crucial for optimal developmental recovery.
Tufail Ahmed Soomro, . Bela, Ubedullah Bahalkani et al.
ABSTRAK Latar Belakang: Ibu memiliki peran penting dalam pengambilan keputusan terkait penyediaan pangan dan pola makan keluarga. Literasi pangan dan gizi ibu yang baik dapat meningkatkan ketahanan pangan keluarga dan kualitas diet anak. Tujuan: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menguji literasi pangan dan gizi ibu serta hubungannya dengan ketahanan pangan rumah tangga dan kualitas diet anak (asupan serat) di Indonesia Metode: Penelitian menggunakan desain cross-sectional yang dilakukan terhadap 86 pasang ibu dan anak (anak berusia antara 9–12 tahun) di wilayah Kecamatan Kedungbanteng. Literasi pangan dan gizi ibu dievaluasi menggunakan Short Food Literacy Questionnaire (SFLQ). Ketahanan pangan rumah tangga ditentukan menggunakan Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), sementara konsumsi makanan dicatat melalui 24-hour food recall. Korelasi bivariat dan model regresi multivariat (logistik dan linear) digunakan untuk menganalisis data Hasil: Hasil analisis bivariat menunjukkan bahwa literasi ibu dan pendapatan keluarga berhubungan positif dengan ketahanan pangan. Berdasarkan regresi logistik multivariat, hanya pendapatan rumah tangga yang tetap memiliki hubungan yang signifikan dengan ketahanan pangan (AOR = 1,431; p = 0,041). Pada analisis regresi linier berganda, literasi pangan dan gizi ibu menjadi satu-satunya prediktor terhadap asupan serat anak (B = 0,089; p = 0,043), setelah disesuaikan dengan pendapatan rumah tangga, usia ibu, jumlah anggota keluarga, dan kovariat lain yang dimasukkan ke dalam model. Kesimpulan: Literasi pangan dan gizi ibu berkontribusi terhadap asupan serat anak, walaupun hubungan yang diamati relatif kecil. Namun demikian, peningkatan literasi pangan dan gizi pada ibu tetap diperlukan untuk meningkatkan kualitas diet anak. ABSTRACT Background: Mothers play a critical role in decision-making regarding household food security and family dietary patterns. Adequate maternal food and nutrition literacy can enhance household food security and improve children's diet quality. Objectives: This study aimed to examine maternal food literacy and its relationship with household food security and children's dietary quality (fiber intake) in Indonesia. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was completed in 86 mother-child pairs (child’s age between 9 to 12 years) in the Kedungbanteng sub-district. Maternal food literacy was evaluated with the Short Food Literacy Questionnaire (SFLQ). Household food security was determined using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), and dietary intake was recorded using a 24-hour food recall. Bivariate correlations and multivariate regression models (logistic and linear) were used to analyze the data. Results: Bivariate analysis showed that maternal literacy and family income were positively associated with food security. Based on multivariate logistic regression, only household income retained an association with food security (AOR = 1.431, p = 0.041). In a multiple linear regression model, maternal food literacy was the only predictor of child fiber intake (B = 0.089, p = 0.043), after adjusting for household income, mother's age, family size, and other covariates included in the model Conclusions: Maternal food and nutrition literacy contributes to child fiber intake, despite a relatively small observed association. However, enhancing maternal food and nutrition literacy is still required to improve children's dietary quality.
Dyah Umiyarni Purnamasari, Atikah Proverawati, Wahyu Vera Wardani
ABSTRAK Latar Belakang: Stunting masih menjadi masalah kesehatan masyarakat yang berdampak terhadap pertumbuhan fisik, perkembangan kognitif, serta kualitas sumber daya manusia di masa mendatang. Kejadian stunting dipengaruhi oleh berbagai faktor. Prevalensi stunting di Indonesia 21,5% dan Kabupaten Lampung Utara memiliki prevalensi yang lebih tinggi sebesar 23,5% pada tahun 2023. Tujuan: Penelitian ini bertujuan menganalisis hubungan riwayat pemberian asi ekslusif, jumlah anggota keluarga dan pendapatan keluarga dengan kejadian stunting pada balita di Desa Labuhan Ratu Kampung, Desa Banjar Ketapang, dan Desa Gunung Labuhan, Kabupaten Lampung Utara. Metode: Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kuantitatif dengan desain observasional analitik menggunakan pendekatan cross-sectional. Penelitian dilaksanakan pada November 2024 sampai dengan Januari 2025 terhadap 65 balita yang dipilih menggunakan teknik cluster random sampling. Data dikumpulkan melalui kuesioner dan pengukuran antropometri, kemudian dianalisis menggunakan uji Gamma dengan tingkat kemaknaan 95% (α=0,05). Hasil: Sebanyak 35 balita (53,8%) mengalami stunting. Hasil analisis menunjukkan terdapat hubungan antara riwayat pemberian ASI eksklusif (p=0,01; Gamma=0,53), jumlah anggota keluarga (p=0,04; Gamma=-0,50) dan pendapatan keluarga (p=0,01; Gamma=-1,00) dengan kejadian stunting. Proporsi stunting lebih tinggi pada balita yang tidak memperoleh ASI eksklusif dan berasal dari keluarga dengan jumlah anggota lebih dari empat orang. Kesimpulan: Riwayat pemberian ASI eksklusif, jumlah anggota rumah tangga, dan pendapatan rumah tangga merupakan faktor-faktor yang berhubungan dengan status stunting pada balita. Upaya pencegahan stunting perlu dilaksanakan melalui pendekatan terpadu yang mendorong pemberian ASI eksklusif dan pemantauan pertumbuhan secara berkala, sembari mempertimbangkan pendapatan rumah tangga dan jumlah anggota keluarga dalam upaya memenuhi kebutuhan gizi anak. ABSTRACT Background: Stunting remains a public health issue that impacts physical growth, cognitive development, and the future quality of human resources. The occurrence of stunting is influenced by various factors. The national prevalence of stunting in Indonesia is 21.5%, while North Lampung Regency recorded a higher prevalence of 23.5% in 2023. Objectives: This study aims to analyze the relationship between the history of exclusive breastfeeding, family size, and family income and the incidence of stunting among children under five in Labuhan Ratu Kampung, Banjar Ketapang, and Gunung Labuhan villages, North Lampung Regency. Methods: This study is a quantitative, analytic observational study employing a cross-sectional design. It was conducted from November 2024 to January 2025, involving 65 children under five years of age selected via cluster random sampling. Data were collected through questionnaires and anthropometric measurements and subsequently analyzed using the Gamma test at a 95% significance level (α=0.05). Results: A total of 35 under-fives (53.8%) were stunted. The results showed significant associations between exclusive breastfeeding history (p=0.01; Gamma=0.53), household size (p=0.04; Gamma=-0.50), and household income (p=0.01; Gamma=-1.00) and stunting status. The proportion of stunting was higher among under-fives who were not exclusively breastfed and who came from families with more than four members. Conclusions: Exclusive breastfeeding, household size, and income are associated with stunting in under-fives. Prevention should promote exclusive breastfeeding and growth monitoring while considering household resources and family size.
ABSTRAKStunting masih menjadi salah satu permasalahan gizi prioritas di Indonesia yang memerlukan upaya pencegahan dan deteksi dini sejak usia dini. Guru taman kanak-kanak memiliki peran strategis dalam pemantauan pertumbuhan anak karena berinteraksi secara rutin dengan peserta didik, namun belum seluruhnya memiliki pengetahuan yang memadai mengenai pengukuran antropometri dan penentuan status gizi anak. Kegiatan pengabdian kepada masyarakat ini bertujuan meningkatkan pengetahuan guru taman kanak-kanak mengenai pengukuran antropometri dan skrining cepat status gizi anak sebagai upaya mendukung deteksi dini stunting. Kegiatan dilaksanakan pada bulan April 2026 di TKIT Aqila, Kecamatan Dramaga, Kabupaten Bogor, Jawa Barat dengan melibatkan 20 guru yang berasal dari 10 sekolah taman kanak-kanak. Metode yang digunakan meliputi penyuluhan, praktik pengukuran berat badan dan tinggi badan, demonstrasi penggunaan aplikasi AnthroCal, serta evaluasi menggunakan pre-test dan post-test yang terdiri atas 9 pertanyaan mengenai standar pengukuran antropometri dan penentuan status gizi anak. Hasil evaluasi menunjukkan adanya peningkatan pengetahuan peserta yang ditunjukkan oleh kenaikan nilai rata-rata dari 72,2±11,9 pada pre-test menjadi 90,0±9,2 pada post-test. Sebanyak 80% peserta mengalami peningkatan nilai setelah mengikuti kegiatan dengan rata-rata kenaikan sebesar 22,9±10,3. Kegiatan edukasi yang dikombinasikan dengan praktik langsung efektif meningkatkan pengetahuan guru mengenai pengukuran antropometri dan penentuan status gizi anak. Guru taman kanak-kanak berpotensi menjadi mitra strategis dalam mendukung pemantauan pertumbuhan dan deteksi dini stunting di lingkungan sekolah.Kata kunci: Antropometri; Guru taman kanak-kanak; Status gizi anak; Stunting; Skrining gizi. ABSTRACTStunting remains one of the major nutritional problems in Indonesia, requiring prevention and early detection efforts from an early age. Kindergarten teachers play a strategic role in child growth monitoring because they interact regularly with children; however, their knowledge regarding anthropometric measurements and nutritional status assessment is often limited. This community service program aimed to improve kindergarten teachers’ knowledge of anthropometric measurements and rapid nutritional status screening to support early detection of stunting. The activity was conducted in April 2026 at TKIT Aqila, Dramaga District, Bogor Regency, West Java, involving 20 teachers from 10 kindergarten schools. The methods included health education, practical training on weight and height measurements, demonstration of the AnthroCal application, and evaluation using a pre-test and post-test consisting of 9 questions related to anthropometric measurement standards and child nutritional status assessment. The evaluation results showed an increase in participants’ knowledge, as indicated by an improvement in the mean score from 72.2±11.9 in the pre-test to 90.0±9.2 in the post-test. 80% of participants showed improved knowledge scores, with a mean pre-test to post-test increase of 22.9 ± 10.3 points. The combination of educational sessions and hands-on practice effectively enhanced teachers’ knowledge regarding anthropometric measurements and child nutritional status assessment. Kindergarten teachers have the potential to become strategic partners in supporting child growth monitoring and early detection of stunting in school settings.Keywords: Anthropometry; Child nutritional status; Kindergarten teachers; Nutrition screening; Stunting.
Nunung Cipta Dainy, Rosyanne Kushargina, Nurmalia Lusida et al.
School-age malnutrition remains under-recognised in nutrition research and public-health planning, particularly in socio-economically vulnerable districts where children depend on government schools and public services. Ranchi district, Jharkhand, is a relevant setting because it includes rural, peri-urban and urban populations, a sizeable tribal presence and dependence on public schooling and nutrition support. This review-based paper develops a socio-economic and demographic framework for studying malnutrition among government schoolchildren aged 6–12 years in Ranchi district. It draws on primary-data studies from India and other developing regions to identify determinants repeatedly associated with school-age malnutrition. The reviewed evidence indicates that nutritional outcomes are shaped by household poverty, parental education, family size, gender, caste, tribe, ethnicity, dietary diversity, sanitation, morbidity and school environment. The proposed framework links distal determinants such as socio-economic status, household demography and social-group background with proximate pathways such as diet quality, water, sanitation and hygiene, recent illness and school-based support. It also outlines a practical field methodology based on multistage sampling, anthropometry, child and parent schedules, school-level information and descriptive analysis. School-age malnutrition in Ranchi should be studied not only as an anthropometric condition but also as a public-health and social-development issue. A school-centred, household-sensitive and district-level framework can support future field enquiry, nutrition monitoring and targeted public-health responses.
The gut microbiota is a complex ecosystem that plays a significant role in human health, particularly during infancy. This review examines the effects of breastfeeding and formula feeding on the gut microbiota based on research conducted over the past five years.Various studies have shown that infants who are breastfed have a richer and more balanced microbiota profile. The natural prebiotics and probiotics found in breast milk support the growth of beneficial bacteria, particularly Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, helping to protect infants against infections. In contrast, infants who are formula-fed generally exhibit lower microbiota diversity and an increased presence of potentially harmful bacteria. This situation can negatively impact the development of the immune system and increase the risk of allergic diseases.The review also explores the impact of dietary habits from different geographical regions on the microbiota; recommendations for future research are provided, and the importance of promoting breastfeeding is emphasized. Breastfeeding plays a critical role not only in infant nutrition but also in strengthening the mother-infant bond and providing long-term health benefits. Therefore, raising awareness in the community about this issue is essential for helping infants achieve optimal health levels.
