Amerta Nutrition

Back Matter, Volume 9 Issue 3, September 2025

Amerta Nutrition — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Front Matter, Volume 9 Issue 3, September 2025

Amerta Nutrition — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0700

A Systematic Review of Digital Applications Accuracy for Calculating and Assessing Nutritional Status of Children Under Five Years

Dedik Kurniawan, Nia Novita Wirawan, Herman Tolle — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background: The increasing use of digital applications to analyze nutritional status of children under five years offers significant progress in public health. However, the accuracy and precision of these tools continue to be a concern due to variations in data quality and user proficiency.

Objectives: This study aimed to systematically evaluate the accuracy and precision of digital applications in calculating and assessing nutritional status of children under five years.

Methods: A comprehensive systematic review was conducted by searching PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases for relevant studies published between 2010 and 2024. The study followed the PRISMA 2020 guidelines for article selection. Risk of bias was assessed using QUADAS-2 for diagnostic studies, then data were analyzed descriptively through a narrative synthesis of results on accuracy, data input methods, and user proficiency.

Discussions: The results showed that out of 925 initially identified articles, 13 met the inclusion criteria and were further analyzed. Advanced algorithms, particularly K-Nearest Neighbor (K-NN) and other machine learning models had high accuracy when supported by quality data and adequate user training. Moreover, real-time IoT-based tools showed high precision in nutritional assessments. Challenges remain in ensuring accurate data entry and algorithm updates to meet the needs of diverse populations.

Conclusions: Digital applications present promising accuracy and precision in evaluating nutritional status of children under five. However, continuous improvement in data quality and user training is essential for the optimal implementation in public health interventions.

Exploring Cultural Influences on Eating Habits and Lifestyles Among Tengger Tribe Adolescents: A Qualitative Approach

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background: The eating habits and lifestyles of adolescents are strongly influenced by their culture. Adolescents from Tengger tribe may be affected by external cultural influences, as their area is a famous tourism destination.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to analyze the cultural influences on the eating habits and lifestyles of Tengger adolescents.

Methods: This qualitative study involved interviews with 15 Tengger adolescents as key informants and the Head of Wonokitri Village. The variables examined include Tengger tribal culture, external cultural influences on eating habits, and various lifestyle aspects such as fashion choices, socialization behaviors, smoking, alcohol consumption, and gadget usage. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and observations of adolescent habits and analyzed using inductive analysis.

Results: The results showed that Tengger adolescents still strongly adhere to their cultural customs. However, external cultural influences are also evident, as seen in their growing preference for fast food, evolving fashion styles, social interactions, smoking habits, alcohol consumption, and gadget use.

Conclusions: The study concludes that, while Tengger adolescents continue to uphold their local culture, they are also indirectly influenced by external cultural elements in their eating habits, fashion choices, social behaviors, smoking, alcohol consumption, and gadget use. Therefore, it is recommended that Tengger adolescents critically evaluate which cultural influences have a positive impact on their lifestyles.

Household Food Insecurity, Nutritional Knowledge of Mothers on Nutritional Status among Children Under Five Years in Gili Iyang Island, Indonesia

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Food insecurity in the home and well-informed moms' nutritional understanding can shield children from circumstances that result in low height and body mass index (BMI) for their age.

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to ascertain the relationship between food insecurity in the home and mothers' nutritional awareness of the nutritional condition of children under five on Gili Iyang Island.

Methods: This study used a cross-sectional method. The nutritional status of the children was assessed using anthropometric measurements. Additionally, data on demographic characteristics, maternal nutrition knowledge, and food insecurity were collected using questionnaires. The study involved 39 mothers/caregivers of children as respondents.

Results: Mothers had a low degree of dietary awareness (84.62%). Stunting and wasting rates were 17.95% and 12.82%, respectively. The incidence of stunting decreased with increased nutritional knowledge of mothers (p-value=0.032, r=0.343), and there was a strong positive association between mothers' knowledge of nutrition and children's height-for-age. Nutritional status (HAZ) and household food security were significantly correlated (p-value<0.001).

Conclusions: The conclusion was that there was an association between the nutritional knowledge of mothers and the status of children’s nutrition. There was a relationship between household food security and a child’s nutritional status.

Indonesian Mothers’ Perspective on Children’s Health After Caesarean Delivery: A Descriptive Exploration

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Cesarean section incidence increases over time in both emergency and elective cases, or with medical indication and social factors. Despite the usefulness of C-section, parents need to be aware of its effect to child health and the countermeasure.

Objectives: This study aims to explore mothers’ perspectives about the health effects of C-section to children.

Methods: An open-ended survey was conducted on Indonesian mothers as participants in a cross-sectional study. A compilation of descriptive responses was collected at an online parenting community focused on children’s health. The questions are later classified into six particular categories and given an analysis.

Results: A total of 175 inquiries were collected and categorized into 6 groups. In declining pattern, we found parental concern regarding the effect of C-section on the child's immune system (57.14%), nutrition and prebiotics/ probiotics/ synbiotic (22.28%), growth and development (8%), and gastrointestinal system (6.28%). A total of 42 questions (24%) can be categorized into more than one category.

Conclusions: More than half of parents are concerned about the effect of C-section on children’s immune system, and one out of five mothers is concerned about the role of nutrition for their children’s health. However, the awareness and concern regarding C-section health impact on growth and development, and gastrointestinal system are still very low.

The Effectiveness of Combining Iron Supplementation with Sweet Orange in Increasing Hemoglobin Levels

Urbanus Sihotang, Nora Martis Sinaga, Erlina Nasution — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Iron (Fe) deficiency is the leading cause of anemia worldwide due to the impact on hemoglobin (Hb) production. Meanwhile, several nutrients, including protein, iron, copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), vitamin A, and vitamin C, influence Hb levels.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of iron supplementation combined with sweet orange in increasing Hb levels.

Methods: A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design was used with a total of 45 menstruating female students from Grades 8 and 9 as participants. These individuals were divided into two groups, one group received iron supplements (TTD) alone, while the other was given TTD combined with 130 grams of sweet orange, providing 63.7 mg of vitamin C, for 12 weeks. Hb levels before and after the intervention were measured using the Easy Touch GCHb device. An independent t-test was used for statistical analysis.

Results: The results showed that the combination of TTD and vitamin C from sweet orange was significantly more effective in increasing Hb levels in adolescents compared to TTD alone (p-value=0.001).

Conclusions: The combination of TTD and sweet orange was more effective in increasing Hb levels. These results provide valuable insights for government programs aimed at improving adolescent iron supplementation by incorporating vitamin C-rich food sources, such as sweet orange, to enhance iron absorption.

Relationship between Body Mass Index, Body Fat Percentage, and Eating Habits among University Students in Malang

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background: In 2023, obesity prevalence in Indonesia was reported at 15.7% in men and 31.2% in women. Eating out has become increasingly common among university students in major cities like Malang due to busy schedules, easy access to food accessibility, and lifestyle changes.

Objectives: This study aims to examine the relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI), body fat percentage, and eating habits among university students.

Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, involving 385 respondents. The measured variables included BMI, body fat percentage, and eating habits. Eating habits were assessed using a questionnaire covering five indicators: Takeaway food consumption, eating at home, dining at restaurants, consuming supermarket food, and consuming traditional market snacks. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square test and Logistic Regression.

Results: Most respondents were female, lived in dormitories or rented housing, and had a family income below five million rupiahs per month. Among the five eating habit indicators, only restaurant dining showed a significant correlation with BMI and body fat percentage (p-value<0.05), while takeaway food consumption, eating at home, consuming supermarket food, and consuming traditional market snacks were not significantly related (p-value>0.05).

Conclusions: Eating habits, in general, showed no significant relationship with BMI and body fat percentage, except for restaurant dining, which was significantly correlated with increased body fat percentage.

The Relationship between Fad Diet Sentiments and Body Image Perceptions with the Nutritional Status of Adolescents in Surabaya

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Adolescence is an important stage of growth and development due to its ability to affect eating behaviours, which are likely to have an impact on a person's nutritional status.

Objectives: This study aims to analyze the relationship between fad diet sentiments and body image perceptions associated with the nutritional status (BMI/A or Body Mass Index–for-age) of adolescents in Senior High School of 5 Surabaya.

Methods: The research method employed a cross-sectional design with a sample size of 91 respondents selected through simple random sampling. Data collection of fad diet, body image, and nutritional status was conducted through questionnaire instruments, interviews, and anthropometric measurements. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and Fisher Exact's tests.

Results: The results of this study indicate that 51.6% of respondents have overweight or obesity status. 46.2% of adolescents at Senior High School of 5 Surabaya have a negative body image, with the majority feeling dissatisfied with their weight and facial appearance. Based on statistical analysis results, there is a significant relationship between fad diet sentiment (p-value<0.05 and body image (p-value<0.05) with nutritional status (BMI-for-age).

Conclusions: The conclusion drawn from this study is that the majority of respondents engage in fad diets by reducing meal frequency and 46.1% have negative body image perceptions.

Overview of Hypertension Prevalence and Its Main Risk Factors in Indonesia – a District-Level Data Analysis

Mugi Wahidin, Intan Silviana Mustikawati, Rini Handayani, Alfons M. Letelay — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Hypertension is one of the serious health problems in Indonesia with a prevalence of 34.1%. Specific risk factors including an unhealthy diet might influence the disease.

Objectives: The study aimed to describe the prevalence of hypertension, difference in the prevalence across districts/cities and regions, and analyze the main risk factors of the disease at district level in Indonesia.

Methods: This cross-sectional is a descriptive secondary data analysis of Basic Health Research 2018 using mean comparison, correlation, and multivariate linear regression analysis. The analysis incorporated aggregate data from 478 districts. The dependent variable was hypertension prevalence, and the independent variables were obesity, central obesity, smoking, salty, instant, and fatty food consumption, fruit and vegetable consumption, physical activity, and blood pressure check. The sampling technique was total sampling with criteria of all variables having complete data.

Results: The mean prevalence of hypertension in districts in Indonesia was 31.18%. There was no difference in hypertension prevalence between districts and cities but there was a difference across seven regions in Indonesia, namely Sumatera, Java-Bali, Nusa Tenggara, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Maluku, and Papua. The most influential risk factors were regular blood pressure checks (Beta 0.326), lack of fruit and vegetable consumption (Beta 0.169), salty foods consumption (Beta 0.124), and fatty foods consumption (Beta 0.055).

Conclusions: Blood pressure checks and an unhealthy diet were the most influential risk factors for hypertension. It is recommended for the Government and the public to increase blood pressure screening and avoid unhealthy diets.

Understanding Barriers to Complementary Feeding Practices in Rural Areas

Muflih Muflih, Tri Mei Khasana, Dheska Arthyka Palifiana, Rahayu Widaryanti — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Complementary Feeding (CF) is one of the important factors in efforts to prevent malnutrition. There is a phenomenon of stunting prevalence increasing 1.6 times at the age of 6-24 months where this phase is the phase of CF.

Objectives: Understanding the obstacles in the practice of CF in rural areas.

Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive qualitative research is used to explore the phenomenon of obstacles experienced in depth. The data collection method included in-depth interviews with mothers whose children aged 6-23 months experiencing stunting. Triangulation methods are carried out by interviewing husbands, grandmothers, and health cadres.

Results: This study provides an overview of specific barriers to CF practices, such as picky eating, the onset of allergic reactions, and the risk of choking. The practical obstacles experienced are pressure from families and the environment to provide CF prematurely, limited time to prepare CF, and financial limitations to access healthier food. Obstacles that come from mothers, such as inadequate knowledge about CF cause concern, as well as the lack of time that mothers have to make CF independently. Support also plays an important role in the success of CF that comes from families and health cadres in the form of community-based education.

Conclusions: The main obstacles to CF experienced by mothers are the lack of proper knowledge and behavior, as well as limited socio-economic support. To increase the success of the CF program, interventions that include continuing education, increased family support, and strengthening support networks at the community level are recommended.

Nutritional Status and Sarcopenia in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease at a Private Hospital in Coimbatore, India

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background: The Global prevalence of sarcopenia was estimated as 10% to 27% among Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) patients.

Objectives: To investigate the association between nutritional status and sarcopenia among NAFLD patients.

Methods: The study was conducted between January 2024 and June 2024 and included 218 study participants. The social and demographic profile, dietary habits, fatigue, and 24-hour recall dietary intake were assessed using the interview cum questionnaire. Bio Impendence Analysis (BIA) and a hand grip dynamometer were used to assess the MM and MS. Functional capacity was analysed using the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT).

Results: The relationship between relative risk factors and sarcopenia showed that male had a Relative Risk Ratio (RRR)=4.048 (95% CI: 1.073-15.275), overweight RRR=5.929 (95% CI: 1.42-24.763), Muscle Mass (MM) RRR=0.857 (95% CI: 0.741-0.99), Muscle Strength (MS) RRR=0.809 (95% CI: 0.729-0.898), Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) RRR=0.254 (95% CI: 0.069-0.933), moderate fatigue RRR=0.313 (95% CI: 0.107-0.921), 6MWT RRR=0.989 (95% CI: 0.981-0.996).

Conclusions: A reduction in MM, MS, and physical performance had shown a significant association with sarcopenia, indicating the reduction in these factors can lead to an increase in sarcopenia. Tailoring the intervention to increase the MM, strength, and physical performance can help in reducing the progression of sarcopenia and disease outcomes.

Exploring the Public Opinion on Celebrity Fad Diets: Twitter Sentiment and Netnographic Analysis

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Celebrity fad diets have garnered significant attention in recent years. Celebrity diets often gain popularity through social media, particularly Twitter, where users engage in discussions, debates, and promotions of various diet trends.

Objectives: To analyze Indonesian’s public sentiment surrounding celebrity fad diets on Twitter social media using netnographic from twitter.

Methods: This research used a mixed-methods approach with both qualitative and quantitative methods to find the public sentiments of the 5 chosen diets. The data were obtained through snscrape from GitHub, a Python-based tool that enables users to access various types of Twitter data, such as user profiles, hashtags, live tweets, top tweets, users, single or threaded tweets, list posts, communities, and trends.

Results: Positive sentiment was found to be more prevalent than negative sentiment over the years, and the number of tweets increased each year. Intermittent fasting emerged as the most discussed diet on social media, likely due to its resemblance to fasting practices observed by Indonesia's Muslim population. On the other hand, the Atkins diet was the least talked-about, possibly because of its complex nature.

Conclusions: The prevalence of Ketogenic and Very Low-Calorie Diet discussions in the context of Indonesian and K-Pop culture underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of these diets and their potential implications for health. Future research should consider diverse data sources, expand sample sizes, and collaborate with experts to gain a more comprehensive understanding of public opinions on diets.

Long-Term Consumption of High-Fat-High-Fructose Diet Decreased Insulin Sensitivity and Damaged the Islets of Langerhans on Sprague Dawley Rats

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Obesity is linked to the rising incidence of type 2 diabetes, with excessive dietary fat intake being one of the primary causes. The development of fat animal models has been discovered to be a standard experimental strategy based on replicating human behaviour in food consumption.

Objectives: This study aims to investigate how long-term consumption of a high-fat, high-fructose (HFHF) diet affects the indicators of diabetes mellitus in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats, such as insulin sensitivity, by measuring the HOMA-IR, counting beta cells, and analyzing the histology of the pancreas.

Methods: This experiment was conducted with 36 male SD rats in normal and HFHF groups. The normal groups had a modified AIN-93 M, while the HFHF group received a high-fat diet with 30% fructose-based water. Feed and beverage intakes were monitored every 24 hours to calculate daily caloric consumption (energy intake) for 17 weeks.

Results: The results demonstrated a significant difference between the normal and HFHF groups in the HOMA-IR levels (insulin sensitivity) and number of pancreatic beta cells (p-value<0.05). This implied that following 17 weeks of HFHF intake, the HOMA-IR level of insulin sensitivity was reduced. However, the islet of Langerhans in pancreatic histopathology seemed damaged in the HFHF rats, as evidenced by the changes in their shape and lower beta cell number.

Conclusions: Consuming the HFHF diet over an extended period increased glucose level, decreased insulin sensitivity, and damaged pancreatic histopathology.

Adequate Iron Consumption during Pregnancy to Prevent Babies Born with Stunting

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background: The incidence of stunting remained high until 2024, namely 21.6%, making it a national problem. Stunting can be predicted early by using the length of the birth body. However, many people do not care about the length of the baby's body at birth. Many factors affect the length of the baby's body at birth, including genetic and external factors. Anemia in pregnant women is one of the determining factors for stunting, so giving iron tablets is very important to prevent stunting.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between iron tablet consumption and the baby's length at birth.

Methods: This study was an analytical survey that examines the characteristics of mothers who have live-born babies with mature in 2019 to 2023 in Tugurejo Village. Data were collected from records in the Mother and Child Health/MCH book and direct interviews with research subjects. The number of samples was 108 babies and their mothers. The collected data were analyzed using chi square & logistic regression tests.

Results: There was a significant relationship between taboo from consuming one source of protein (p-value=0.034), consumption of iron tablets during pregnancy (p-value=0.043), maternal age during pregnancy (p-value=0.001), and exposure to cigarette smoke during pregnancy (p-value=0.050) with baby's birth length. Meanwhile, the mother's height and the habit of drinking milk during pregnancy were not significantly related to the baby's birth length.

Conclusions: The dominant variables related to the length of the baby's birth are the completeness of iron tablet consumption and the mother's age during pregnancy.

Correlation of Sleep Quality and Diet Quality with Hemoglobin Levels in Adolescent Girls

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Iron deficiency is a common health issue among adolescent girls, mainly due to poor eating habits and inadequate sleep. The prevalence of anemia in this group remains high, ranging from 40% to 88%.

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the relationship between nutritional intake, diet quality, and sleep quality with hemoglobin levels among adolescent girls.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 80 adolescent girls aged 15–19 years, selected from a population of approximately 230 adolescent girls in Ponorogo. Hemoglobin levels were measured using the Easy Touch GCHB instrument via capillary blood sampling. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Nutritional intake was evaluated using the Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (SQ-FFQ), and diet quality was measured with the Diet Quality Index (DQI). Multinomial logistic regression analyzed the relationships between nutritional intake, sleep quality, and hemoglobin levels.

Results: The study found that 50% of participants had normal hemoglobin levels, 42.5% had mild anemia, and 7.5% had moderate anemia. The mean hemoglobin level was 13.8, the average diet quality score was 57.47, and the mean sleep quality score was 7.33. Poor nutritional intake increased the risk of mild anemia by 20.32 times (OR=20.320, 95%CI=3.12-41.55, p-value=0.004). Moderate sleep quality increased the risk of mild anemia by 22.93 times (OR=22.932, 95%CI=2.91-182.55, p-value=0.013).

Conclusions: Interventions to improve nutritional intake and sleep quality are essential for adolescent girls, as these factors are strongly associated with iron deficiency in this group.

The Effect of β-Carotene Supplementation on Triglyceride Levels Study on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Wistar Rats Fed High-Fat Diet and Induced Streptozotocin-Nicotinamide

Elida Soviana, Tea Aviarani, Puspito Arum — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Hypertriglyceridemia is associated with decreasing insulin sensitivity and increasing insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus. β-carotene has a cytoprotective effect that can improve and protect β-cells of the pancreas, resulting in increased insulin synthesis and secretion. β-carotene prevents the deleterious effects of uncontrolled glucose and lipid metabolism.

Objectives: This research aimed to investigate the effect of β-carotene supplementation on triglyceride levels in high-fat diet and streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Wistar Rats.

Methods: 18 Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: X₁ (negative controls), X₂ (positive controls), and X₃ (STZ-NA+β-carotene 10 mg/KgBW). High-fat diet intervention was given 14 days before diabetic induction in X₂ and X₃ groups; the negative control group X₁ was given standard feed. To condition Wistar rats to be type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, rats in groups X₂ and X₃ received intraperitoneal injections of Streptozotocin at a dose of 45 mg/KgBW and nicotinamide at a dose of 110 mg/kgBW. Supplementation of β-carotene was given by the nasogastric feeding tube method every 2 days within 30 days. Plasma Triglyceride levels were measured using GPO-PAP. The effect of triglyceride levels after β-carotene supplementation was tested with a statistical test using a paired t-test and one-way ANOVA.

Results: Blood glucose levels in groups X₂ and X₃ increased by 188.34 g/dl and 186.34 g/dl after being injected with STZ and NA. There was a significant effect of triglyceride levels (p-value<0.001) after supplementation with β-carotene at a dose of 10 mg/kgBW. Serum triglyceride levels decreased by a mean of 21.90% or 28.42 mg/dl.

Conclusions: This research revealed that the supplementation of β-carotene at a dose of 10 mg/kgBW every 2 days within 30 days by the nasogastric feeding tube method can lower triglyceride levels in diabetic Wistar rats.

Microbiological Properties, Dietary Fiber, and Nutritional Content of Fluidized Bed-Dried Local Legumes and Salak Yogurt Powder

Irma Nuraeni, Sumarto Sumarto, Ani Radiati — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background: A major challenge in producing yogurt powder (YP) is the need for drying technology that maintains probiotic viability. In Small-Medium Enterprises (SMEs), adoption of such technologies to extend shelf life remains limited. The Fluidized Bed Dryer (FBD) provides a relatively simple method for producing YP from local legumes and salak.

Objectives: To analyze the amount of Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB), Dietary Fiber (DF), and Nutritional Content (NC) in local legumes and Salak Flour (SF) that is processed with a FBD.

Methods: An experimental design with four treatments was applied: Mungbean (MYP), Garut Redbean (RYP), Manonjaya Salak-Mungbean (MS-MYP), and Manonjaya Salak-Garut Redbean Yogurt Powder (MS-RYP). Parameters measured included microbiological properties, DF, and NC (total calories, calories from fat, ash, moisture, carbohydrate, fat, protein, sugar, cholesterol, sodium, zinc, iron, and calcium). Differences in NC were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test.

Results: All YP samples contained LAB counts above the Indonesian National Standard (8 x 10⁸ - 1 x 10¹⁰ cfu/g). DF content was higher in YP with added SF. Total ash, iron, and calcium were also higher in legume-based YP supplemented with SF, whereas sodium content was lower. Other nutrient levels were comparable between formulations with or without SF.

Conclusions: Local legume YP added with SF contains higher levels of LAB, DF, total ash, iron, and calcium than legume YP alone.

Empowering Mothers in Utilizing Local Food Based on Mixed Fish to Prevent Stunting: A Reflection Study in Participatory Action Research

Rina Doriana Pasaribu, Erlina Nasution, Abdul Chairudin Angkat — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Stunting remains a significant public health issue, particularly in low-resource settings where maternal knowledge and dietary practices influence child nutrition. Empowering mothers through participatory approaches is an effective strategy for addressing this challenge.

Objectives: This study examined the reflective process within the Participatory Action Research (PAR) framework to empower mothers to enhance their child nutrition through local food resources. It specifically focuses on the critical reflections that shape the effectiveness of empowerment.

Methods: This study employed PAR with a focus on the reflection stage, to assess the effectiveness of maternal empowerment in utilizing local food for stunting prevention. Quantitative assessments including structured questionnaires were administered to 50 randomly selected participants. A paired t-test was conducted to analyze changes in knowledge and attitudes, with statistical significance set at p-value<0.05.

Results: The reflection phase revealed a significant increase in maternal knowledge and attitude post-intervention. The mean knowledge score improved from 14.70±3.09 to 29.60±0.97 (p-value=0.001), while the attitude score increased from 11.50±3.06 to 19.30±1.52 (p-value=0.001). The maternal empowerment program was well received, with trained health cadres and PKK (family welfare movement) mothers playing a crucial role in fostering sustainable behavioral change in stunting prevention.

Conclusions: Critical reflection on PAR enhances the effectiveness of maternal empowerment. These findings offer practical insights for policymakers and public health practitioners in designing adaptive community-driven nutritional interventions. Integrating reflective practices ensures that stunting prevention programmes are contextually relevant, sustainable, and scalable across diverse sociocultural settings.

Evaluation of Patient Satisfaction with Nutrition Installation Services at PKU Muhammadiyah Gamping Hospital Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background: PKU Muhammadiyah Gamping Hospital, Yogyakarta, recorded an estimated food waste production of around 900 kg from January to June 2024. This data highlights the significant food-related problems in healthcare facilities and underscores the need for strategies to improve patient satisfaction.

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate patient satisfaction with nutritional services at PKU Muhammadiyah Gamping Hospital, Yogyakarta.

Methods: This study employed a quantitative approach, utilizing a questionnaire comprising 44 questions adapted from the Schiavone and Acute Hospital Foodservice Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (ACHFPSQ), which was analyzed using SPSS. Respondents were patients treated at PKU Muhamadiyah Gamping Hospital, Yogyakarta.

Results: The average patient satisfaction with food quality based on Schiavone was 3.64±0.83, and the average patient satisfaction with food quality based on the ACHFPSQ was 3.64±0.873. The satisfaction ratings ranged from 2.38±0.862 to 4.64±0.5. The highest rating for food prepared and distributed safely and under control was 4.28±0.573, while the lowest rating for hospital food quality expectations was 2.38±0.862. According to Schiavone, the average patient satisfaction with food service was 4.12±0.596; according to the ACHFPSQ, it was 4.45±0.486. The highest score for staff who delivered food neatly and cleanly was 4.64±0.5. The lowest score for comparing current food service quality with previous care experience was 3.50±0.723.

Conclusions: The research findings indicated that patients were generally satisfied with the comprehensive nutrition services. Nevertheless, some areas require enhancement, particularly in healthy menu options and food taste quality.

Isolate Soy Protein with Dietary Fiber Formula in Children with Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy: Case Report

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) represents the most frequently encountered food allergy in pediatric populations younger than three years. Clinical presentations vary widely, including gastrointestinal (GI), respiratory, and cutaneous manifestations.

Objectives: The purpose of this case report is to determine the effectiveness of an isolated soy protein formula, enriched with dietary fibre, as a dietary alternative for a child afflicted with cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA).

Methods: This study presents a case report concerning a 2-week-old infant who presented with gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, specifically watery loose stools and vomiting. Given the family and socioeconomic circumstances, neither breast milk nor an amino acid or extensively hydrolyzed formula could be provided. Consequently, the infant received an isolated soy protein formula fortified with dietary fiber. This report further includes a review of the current literature on the utilization of dietary fiber in pediatric populations.

Results: The use of isolate soy protein with dietary fibre formula may offer a well-tolerated and nutritionally adequate alternative for children with CMPA, providing paediatricians, nutritionists, and the broader healthcare community with an additional dietary option.

Conclusions: The use of soy isolate protein formula with additional fibre suggests a beneficial effect to improve gut microbiota diversity and may improve stool consistency for both constipation and diarrhoea. However, further large-scale studies are needed to confirm its long-term effect, efficacy, and impact on growth and gut health.

Analysis of Sodium Content in Commercially Salty Snack and its Contribution to Daily Salt Intake: A Market Survey in East Surabaya

Meisya Ayu Pradana, Farapti Farapti, Zulfitri ‘Azuan Mat Daud — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Nearly the entire global population consumes excessive sodium. A food in sodium is salty snacks. Excessive sodium consumption can cause health problems such as hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and obesity. Salty snacks are popular and are frequently consumed and favored by the public.

Objectives: To identify various commercial salty snack products and analyze their sodium content as well as their contribution to daily sodium and salt intake.

Methods: The study was conducted through a survey of 32 commercial salty snacks produced in Indonesia and labeled with nutrition information. Products were collected from three supermarkets in East Surabaya—Superindo, Indomaret, and Alfamart, using a convenience sampling method. The survey was only conducted on small or medium packages of each product brand and variant so was limited.

Results: A total of 32 salty snack products were identified and categorized into chips, light snacks, sticks and crackers, and nuts. The highest sodium content was 1394,4 mg per 100 g found in the sticks and crackers, which accounted for 50% of the daily sodium requirement. The average sodium content in other categories ranged around 500 mg, fulfilling 20-30% of the daily sodium.

Conclusions: Commercial salty snack products are widely available in the market and generally contain high sodium levels. Attention to nutritional labeling, particularly sodium content, is essential in managing daily sodium and salt intake. In addition, the implementation of regulations or legislation regarding sodium labeling restrictions on salty snack products in Indonesia is necessary.