BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Indonesia, a middle-income country with a large population of young children, is predicted to have a demographic bonus in 2045. However, to benefit from this bonus, the government must optimally manage the triple burden of malnutrition to prevent long-term effects that can significantly decrease quality of life. National data in 2023 showed an increased prevalence of acute malnutrition com-pared to previous years, a wake-up call for the government to address important contributing factors. This article aims to identify the current position of Indonesian guidelines on acute malnutrition (AM) and to provide recommendations. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: A document analysis was conducted to examine the existing guidelines for the treatment of acute malnutrition in children under 5 years of age in Indonesia and their implementation. RESULTS: The Ministry of Health published the latest guidelines in 2019 and a technical guide-line for the treatment of moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) in 2024. National guidelines were not uniformly implemented across regions due to several factors, such as funding availability, human resources, and logistics. Of the four main components of the latest severe acute malnutrition (SAM) guideline, hospitalisation management has been adequately implemented. Meanwhile, community mobilisation, the availability of out-patient therapeutic regimens, and treatment for moderate acute malnutrition faced numerous challenges. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of three of the four components of SAM treatment should be improved, with a focus on screening and early detection of acute malnutrition, strengthening the referral system, providing therapeutic regimens, and developing a sustainable reporting system.
Moretta Damayanti Fauzi, Marinka van der Hoeven, Damayanti D. Soekarjo et al.
Background. Stunting remains a major public health challenge in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Indonesia, with consequences extending beyond linear growth deficits to impaired neurodevelopment. Although early stimulation and parenting interventions have been shown to improve neurodevelopmental outcomes and mitigate these effects, few studies have evaluated structured, nurse-led programmes targeting toddlers at risk of stunting. Objective. To assess the effectiveness of a nurse-led early stimulation and structured parenting education intervention on neurodevelopment among toddlers at risk of stunting. Methods. This quasi-experimental pretest–post-test control group study involved 200 toddlers aged 36 months in Tangerang Regency, Indonesia. There were 100 participants in the intervention group and 100 in the control group. The intervention group received six weekly nurse-led sessions incorporating play-based stimulation and parenting education, while the control group received routine care. The Bayley‑III Scales of Infant and Toddler Development were used to measure neurodevelopmental outcomes, which were analysed using ANCOVA and multiple linear regression. Results. Postintervention, the intervention group showed significantly higher adjusted scores across all Bayley‑III domains, namely cognitive (F=20.21; p<0.001; η²=0.093), receptive language (F=18.64; p<0.001; η²=0.087), expressive language (F=17.82; p<0.001; η²=0.083), fine motor (F=21.47; p<0.001; η²=0.098) and gross motor (F=24.10; p<0.001; η²=0.109). Regression analysis revealed that pretest scores (p<0.001) and session attendance (p<0.05) were significant predictors of post-test outcomes, while maternal education and child’s age were not. Conclusion. Nurse-led early stimulation and parenting interventions were associated with significant improvements in neurodevelopmental outcomes among toddlers at risk of stunting. This model could be integrated into primary healthcare services and may provide a scalable approach to addressing developmental delays in LMICs.
Background: Nutritional problems among orphaned children remain an important public health concern, particularly in institutional settings where children may experience inadequate dietary intake and poor health monitoring. Nurses play a critical role in the assessment and management of nutritional status among vulnerable children(1). Aim: To assess the nutritional status of orphanage children using the Subjective Global Nutritional Assessment (SGNA) tool in Karbala City. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 40 orphanage children aged 3–6 years in Karbala City. A purposive sample was used. Data were collected using two instruments: a demographic questionnaire and the Subjective Global Nutritional Assessment tool. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0 through descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The findings showed that 62.5% of children were aged 3–4 years and 55% were female. According to the SGNA evaluation, 57.5% of children had mild malnutrition, 25% had moderate malnutrition, and 5% had severe malnutrition. A significant association was found between age and nutritional status (p < 0.05), whereas no significant association was found between gender and nutritional status. Conclusion: Mild malnutrition was common among orphanage children. Early nutritional screening and nursing interventions are necessary to improve children’s nutritional health in institutional settings.
Background: Stunting remains an important public health concern because it can adversely affect children's physical growth, cognitive development, and future quality of life. Family involvement and the active participation of community health cadres are essential for improving nutritional practices and ensuring regular monitoring of toddler growth and development. Objective: This community empowerment program aimed to improve the knowledge and practical capacity of families and health cadres in preventing stunting through nutrition education and assistance in monitoring toddler growth and development. Methods: The program was implemented using a participatory approach involving families with toddlers and community health cadres. Activities included nutrition education, counseling on balanced diets and appropriate complementary feeding, demonstrations of child growth measurement, developmental monitoring, and individualized assistance. Participants' knowledge was assessed before and after the educational sessions using structured questionnaires. Growth monitoring included measurements of body weight and height/length, while developmental assistance emphasized age-appropriate stimulation and early identification of developmental concerns. Results: The program showed an improvement in participants' knowledge regarding stunting prevention, balanced nutrition, appropriate feeding practices, and growth monitoring. Families demonstrated greater awareness of the importance of regular growth and development monitoring and appropriate nutritional practices. Health cadres also showed improved capacity to provide nutrition education, conduct basic anthropometric monitoring, identify children at risk of growth problems, and encourage families to utilize community-based health services regularly. Conclusion: Nutrition education combined with family assistance and strengthened health cadre capacity is a practical community-based strategy for supporting stunting prevention. Continuous mentoring and regular growth and development monitoring are recommended to sustain behavioral improvements and facilitate early detection of nutritional and developmental problems.
Syaharuddin Syaharuddin, Dewi Nurhanifah, Ari Setiawati et al.
Introduction: Ceftriaxone is a sterile, semi-synthetic, broad spectrum third generation parenteral β - lactam antibiotic of cephalosporin group. It has a lot of indications in pediatric clinical practice. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the uses of inj. Ceftriaxone, dose, duration, outcome and adverse effects of ceftriaxone as a whole among children admitted in a tertiary care hospital. Methodology: A descriptive prospective type of observational study was conducted at pediatrics department of Birat medical college and teaching hospital (BMCTH). One hundred and fourty patients were enrolled. Data were recorded in a detailed pre-designed data collection sheet by interviewing them or their parents, the treating physician and the nursing staff during the initial visit and also during the follow up. Results: Ceftriaxone was the most commonly used antibiotic in varieties of conditions. Regarding indications respiratory causes (41.2%) followed by renal causes (22.2%) and infectious causes (17.8%). There was significant difference in outcome and complication in severe malnutrition and normal nutrition children by age group <5 years and >5 years. Pain was the most common adverse effect observed in 37.1%, indurations and tenderness at the injection site (20%), nausea and vomiting (7.1%) and hypersensitivity (6.4%). Conclusion: The drug was used in wide range of indications in variable doses and duration. However, its use in various conditions do not follow the microbiological isolation status. Pain, nausea, vomiting, induration, hypersensitivity and others were the commonly encountered adverse effects.
Ramesh Yadav, Hemsagar Rimal, Santosh Upadhyaya Kafle et al.
This study aims to determine the relationship between the menu variation of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program and the nutritional status of upper-grade students at SD Negeri Caturtunggal 1, and to describe the nutritional status of upper-grade students based on anthropometric indicators, namely body weight (BW), height (H), and body mass index for age (BMI-for-age), after the implementation of the MBG Program at SD Negeri Caturtunggal 1. Kilat Qonita Bahriatur Asri .This study employed a quantitative descriptive approach with a correlational research design. The research sample consisted of all upper-grade students (Grades IV, V, and VI) at SD Negeri Caturtunggal 1, totaling 57 students in the 2025/2026 academic year, selected using a total sampling technique. Data were collected through questionnaires and anthropometric measurements including body weight and height to determine the Body Mass Index for Age (BMI-for-age). The data were analyzed using descriptive analysis techniques and the Pearson Product Moment correlation test. The results showed that there is a relationship between the Free Nutritious Meal Program and the nutritional status of upper-grade students. The MBG program provides a positive contribution to fulfilling students' nutritional intake, which is reflected in the categories of students' nutritional status. It can be concluded that the Free Nutritious Meal Program is associated with the nutritional status of upper-grade students at SD Negeri Caturtunggal 1. Therefore, this program needs to be maintained and further developed as an effort to improve the health and nutritional quality of school-age children.
Qonita Bahriatur Asri, Nur Azis Rohmansyah, Dittaya Jindarat et al.
Introduction: Stunting is a chronic nutritional problem that remains a public health challenge, particularly in developing countries. This condition not only impacts children's physical growth but also impacts cognitive development, productivity, and the long-term quality of human resources. One of the main factors contributing to stunting is mothers' lack of knowledge and attitudes regarding nutritional needs, parenting patterns, and appropriate childcare practices. Objectives: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of nutrition education interventions and health promotion approaches in improving mothers' knowledge and attitudes as an effort to prevent stunting at the family level. Method: This study employed a literature review method. Articles were searched through the Google Scholar database and SINTA-indexed national journals for the 2021–2026 period. Inclusion criteria included quantitative research, full-text articles, and relevance to nutrition education interventions in stunting prevention. Based on the selection process, five articles met the criteria for systematic analysis using a narrative synthesis approach. Result: A literature review shows that nutrition education interventions, whether through direct counseling, health education media, or health promotion-based approaches, significantly improve mothers' knowledge and attitudes regarding stunting prevention. Structured, interactive, and ongoing education has been shown to drive changes in family behavior toward better nutrition practices. Conclusion: Family-based nutrition education has proven effective as a stunting prevention strategy. Sustainable integration of nutrition education programs into maternal and child health services is essential to support stunting reduction and improve the quality of future generations..
Abstrak: Angka kematian ibu dan bayi masih menjadi permasalahan kesehatan, disertai dengan tingginya kasus kurang energi kronis (KEK), anemia pada ibu hamil, komplikasi kehamilan, hingga bayi berat lahir rendah (BBLR) yang berpotensi menghambat pertumbuhan dan perkembangan anak. Kegiatan ini bertujuan meningkatkan pengetahuan kesehatan ibu dan anak melalui edukasi yang mencakup deteksi dini risiko kehamilan hingga pemberian MPASI. Kegiatan dilaksanakan di salah satu Posyandu di Depok pada bulan Juli 2026 yang dihadiri oleh 25 peserta. Metode kegiatan mencakup pengerjaan pre-test, edukasi kesehatan dan pengerjaan post-test. Hasil evaluasi menunjukkan terjadi peningkatan rata-rata skor pengetahuan sebesar 18,4 poin. Hasil tersebut menunjukkan bahwa edukasi yang diberikan mampu untuk meningkatkan pengetahuan mengenai kesehatan ibu dan anak.Abstract: Maternal and infant mortality rates remain a public health issue, compounded by high rates of chronic energy deficiency (CED), anemia in pregnant women, pregnancy complications, and low birth weight (LBW), all of which have the potential to hinder children’s growth and development. This activity aims to improve maternal and child health knowledge through educational activities covering everything from early detection of pregnancy risks to the introduction of complementary foods. The activity was held at one Posyandu (integrated service post) in Depok in July 2026 and was attended by 25 participants. The methods of this activity includes a pre-test, health education and post-test. Evaluation results showed an average increase in knowledge scores of 18.4 points. These results indicate that the education provided was effective in improving knowledge regarding maternl and child health.
Laily Hanifah, Ulya Qoulan Karima, Anggi Angga Resti et al.
Abstrak: Pemanfaatan Buku Kesehatan Ibu dan Anak (KIA) belum optimal karena keterbatasan pengetahuan dan keterampilan kader Posyandu serta rendahnya pemanfaatan buku oleh ibu hamil. Kegiatan ini bertujuan meningkatkan kapasitas kader dalam pemanfaatan Buku KIA melalui Mentorship Learning Method (MLM) serta memperkuat pendampingan kepada ibu hamil. Kegiatan melibatkan 24 kader Posyandu, 8 ibu hamil, dan 2 bidan desa. Pelaksanaan meliputi koordinasi, penyusunan media edukasi, pelatihan melalui pemberian materi, diskusi, demonstrasi, role play, redemonstrasi, serta pendampingan intensif. Evaluasi dilakukan melalui pretest dan posttest menggunakan kuesioner pengetahuan yang terdiri atas 20 pertanyaan, serta observasi keterampilan sebelum dan sesudah kegiatan. Indikator keberhasilan kegiatan ditetapkan berupa peningkatan pengetahuan pada 95% sasaran dan peningkatan keterampilan pada 80% sasaran. Hasil menunjukkan bahwa proporsi kader dengan kategori pengetahuan kurang menurun dari 62,5% menjadi 0%, sedangkan kategori pengetahuan baik meningkat dari 20,8% menjadi 37,5%. Hasil tersebut menunjukkan adanya peningkatan pengetahuan kader setelah pelaksanaan program. Mentorship Learning Method mendukung penguatan kapasitas kader Posyandu dalam pemanfaatan Buku KIA dan pendampingan kepada ibu hamil.Abstract: The utilization of the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Handbook has not been optimal due to limited knowledge and skills among Posyandu cadres and the low utilization of the handbook by pregnant women. This community-based program aimed to improve cadres’ capacity to utilize the MCH Handbook through the Mentorship Learning Method (MLM) and strengthen assistance for pregnant women. The program involved 24 Posyandu cadres, 8 pregnant women, and 2 village midwives. The activities consisted of coordination, development of educational materials, training through instructional sessions, discussions, demonstrations, role plays, redemonstrations, and intensive mentoring. Evaluation was conducted using pretests and posttests with a 20-item knowledge questionnaire, as well as observations of participants’ skills before and after the program. The success indicators were defined as an increase in knowledge among 95% of the target participants and an improvement in skills among 80% of the participants. The results showed that the proportion of cadres in the poor knowledge category decreased from 62.5% to 0%, while the proportion in the good knowledge category increased from 20.8% to 37.5%. These findings indicate an improvement in cadres’ knowledge following program implementation. The Mentorship Learning Method supports the strengthening of Posyandu cadres’ capacity in utilizing the MCH Handbook and providing assistance to pregnant women.
Asri Widyayanti, Niluh Nita Silfia, Sri Yanti Kusika
Abstrak: Pemberian Makanan Tambahan (PMT) merupakan salah satu upaya dalam mendukung pemenuhan gizi dan pencegahan stunting pada balita dan ibu hamil. Program PMT membutuhkan perencanaan anggaran yang baik agar penggunaan dana dapat dilakukan secara efektif dan efisien. Permasalahan yang dihadapi oleh kader kesehatan yaitu keterbatasan pengetahuan dan keterampilan dalam menyusun Rencana Anggaran Biaya (RAB) PMT dan menu PMT. Tujuan Meningkatkan pengetahuan dan keterampilan kader dalam penyusunan RAB PMT melalui metode partisipatif berbasis solusi melalui edukasi, diskusi, tanya jawab, dan simulasi penyusunan RAB PMT. Kegiatan dilaksanakan pada 2 Juni 2026 di Kampung Saefen-42 dan diikuti oleh 10 orang kader kesehatan. Evaluasi menggunakan kuesioner dengan 10 pertanyaan Pretest dan Post-test, Hasil Pretest sebanyak 60% kader memiliki pengetahuan baik dan setelah posttest terjadi peningkatan menjadi 90% pengetahuan baik. Dengan demikian, terjadi peningkatan pengetahuan baik sebesar 30 poin persentase atau meningkat sebesar 50%. Kegiatan edukasi yang dipadukan dengan diskusi, handbook, dan simulasi mampu meningkatkan pemahaman kader mengenai penyusunan RAB PMT.Abstract: Supplementary Feeding (Pemberian Makanan Tambahan/PMT) is one of the strategies to support nutritional adequacy and prevent stunting among children under five and pregnant women. The PMT program requires sound budget planning to ensure that funds are utilized effectively and efficiently. The main problem in Saefen 42 Village is that health cadres have limited knowledge and skills in preparing PMT Budget Plans (Rencana Anggaran Biaya/RAB) and PMT menus. This activity aimed to improve the knowledge and skills of health cadres in Saefen 42 Village in preparing PMT Budget Plans through a solution-based participatory approach involving education, discussions, question-and-answer sessions, and PMT budget planning simulations. The activity was conducted on June 2, 2026, in Saefen 42 Village and involved 10 health cadres. Evaluation was conducted using a pretest questionnaire. The results showed that 60% of cadres had a good level of knowledge at the pre-test, which increased to 90% at the post-test. Thus, the proportion of cadres with good knowledge increased by 30 percentage points, representing a 50% relative increase. The combination of education, handbook-based learning, discussions, and practical simulations effectively improved cadres’ understanding of PMT budget planning.
Petrus Yohanes Ismail Arwimbar, Septevanus Rantetoding, Karel Batmanlusi et al.
