The Association of Income, Infectious Disease and Feeding Patterns with Undernutrition among Children Under Five

Hubungan antara Pendapatan, Penyakit Infeksi, dan Pola Makan terhadap Kejadian Gizi Kurang pada Balita

Income Infection Feeding pattern Undernutrition

Authors

  • Azrimaidaliza
    azrimaidaliza@ph.unand.ac.id
    Departemen Gizi, Fakultas Kesehatan Masyarakat, Universitas Andalas, Padang, Indonesia, Indonesia
  • Lifda Syarif Departemen Gizi, Fakultas Kesehatan Masyarakat, Universitas Andalas, Padang, Indonesia, Indonesia
  • Resmiati Departemen Gizi, Fakultas Kesehatan Masyarakat, Universitas Andalas, Padang, Indonesia, Indonesia

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Background: One of the main health problems faced by low to middle-income countries, including Indonesia is the problem of undernutrition in toddlers. According to the 2021 Indonesia Nutritional Status Survey, undernutrition problems still occur in many Indonesian toddlers with a prevalence of 17%. The occurrence of undernutrition in toddlers is influenced by various factors including income, infectious diseases, and diet.

Objectives: This research aims to identify the main contributors to undernutrition in toddlers.

Methods: Data on factors related to the nutritional status of toddlers in the working area of Seberang Padang Health Center were collected using a cross-sectional design. Sampling was carried out using simple random sampling method in order to obtain a sample of 136 toddlers aged 2-5 years. The nutritional status of children was collected through direct measurement of weight and height, and use a questionnaire that has been tested for validity and reliability.

Results: The percentage of toddlers aged 2-5 years with an undernutrition status is 7.2% and of under-fives who are malnourished with stunting conditions is 2.2%. Families with low incomes experienced had more risk to have children with undernutrition status than families with high incomes (p=0.017; POR=6.463; CI=1.402-29.799). Also, undernutrition was significantly associated with poor diet (p=0.036; POR=5.997; CI=1.127-26.153) and a history of infectious disease (p=0.027; POR=5.650; CI=1.212-26.153).

Conclusions: Family income, diet, and history of infectious disease are determinants of undernutrition among children under five. Education on balanced nutrition and a healthy and clean lifestyle must continue to be delivered on a regular basis through the collaboration of health institutions and health education institutions in order to overcome undernutrition and reduce the risk of infection among children under five.