Hubungan Pola Makan dan Kunjungan Posyandu dengan Status Gizi Balita di Desa Truko Kabupaten Kendal
Nutritional status is an important indicator that reflects the balance between nutrient intake and the body's requirements to support children's growth, development, and overall health. Nutritional problems among children under five remain a major public health concern because they are influenced by various factors, including dietary patterns, parental caregiving, socioeconomic status, Posyandu attendance, and a history of infectious diseases. This study aimed to analyze the factors associated with the nutritional status of children aged 12–59 months in Truko Village, Kangkung District, Kendal Regency. This study employed a retrospective cross sectional involving 84 children under five, selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected through interviews using a semiquantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), structured questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, and data from the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Handbook. Data analysis included univariate analysis, sing logistic regression, with a significance level of p<0.05. The results showed significant associations between dietary patterns (p<0.001), parental caregiving (p=0.003), socioeconomic status (p=0.012), Posyandu attendance (p=0.001), and a history of infectious diseases (p<0.001) with the nutritional status of children under five. Dietary patterns were identified as the most dominant factor associated with nutritional status. In conclusion, improving dietary patterns, strengthening parental caregiving, increasing regular participation in Posyandu services, and preventing infectious diseases are essential strategies to improve the nutritional status of children under five.
Ruddy Haryanto, Chairunisa Nur Rarastiti, Catur Retno Lestari