Amerta Nutrition

Determinants Affecting Family Commitment and Capability in Preventing Stunting in Children Under Two Years

Taufiqurrahman Taufiqurrahman, Nur Hatijah, Ani Intiyati — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Stunting remains a public health issue in Indonesia. Despite a decline in national prevalence, East Java recorded a stunting prevalence of 32.7%, exceeding national standards and those set by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Objectives: This study aimed to identify the factors influencing family commitment and capability in preventing stunting in children under two years old.

Methods: The study employed an observational survey design involving 150 mothers of children aged 0–2 years in the Puskesmas (Community Health Center) areas of Surabaya. Data were collected using questionnaires to assess personal, interpersonal, cognitive-behavioral, resource, and fundamental family value variables. Analysis was conducted using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with Partial Least Square (PLS) methodology.

Results: Personal, interpersonal, and cognitive-behavioral factors significantly influenced family commitment to stunting prevention. Approximately 89.89% of a family’s ability to monitor child growth and development could be predicted by the study model. However, resource factors and fundamental family values were not significant.

Conclusions: Interpersonal, cognitive-behavioral factors, and family assessment can increase family commitment in preventing stunting in children under two years. Assistance from health workers is essential to further strengthen family commitment to stunting prevention.

Enhancing Maternal Knowledge and Practices in Complementary Feeding through Emotional Demonstration Methods

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Complementary feeding is crucial for children's growth and development, especially between the ages of 6 to 24 months. Adequate nutritional intake during this period can prevent long-term health issues, such as stunting and obesity. However, many mothers struggle with providing appropriate complementary feeding due to a lack of knowledge and inappropriate feeding practices.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the Emotional Demonstration (Emo Demo) method in improving maternal knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to complementary feeding.

Methods: Using a pretest-posttest control group design, 100 mothers with children aged 6 to 24 months were assigned to one of three groups: control (lecture), demonstration, and Emo Demo. Data were collected via questionnaires and observational assessments at multiple intervals to measure the sustainability of behavior changes. Statistical analyses, including ANOVA and Least Significant Difference (LSD) tests, revealed that the Emo Demo method significantly enhanced knowledge, attitudes, and feeding practices compared to traditional methods.

Results: The study found no significant demographic differences between groups. ANOVA showed significant improvements in knowledge, attitudes, and behavior (p-value<0.05). LSD analysis revealed significant changes in the Emo Demo group (p-value=0.010 for knowledge and behavior, p-value=0.028 for attitude), indicating its effectiveness in improving complementary feeding practices.

Conclusions: Innovative and emotionally engaging methods like Emo Demo can effectively address the challenges of complementary feeding, ultimately contributing to public health efforts to reduce stunting in Indonesia. Further research is recommended to refine educational strategies for improving maternal nutrition practices in diverse communities.

Development of High Dietary Fiber Cereal Bar as Emergency Food Product and The Chemical-Microbiological Properties and Nutritional Content

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Dietary fiber is essential for maintaining digestive health, especially during emergencies with limited food availability.

Objectives: To analyze the chemical, microbiological, and nutritional properties of high-fiber cereal bars designed as emergency food.

Methods: This study used an experimental design. The cereal bars were made from rice crisps and oats and tested based on chemical and microbiological parameters. Chemical analysis included dietary fiber, carbohydrates, protein, fat, minerals, and vitamins while the microbiological analysis covered total plate count (TPC) and detection of pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus aureus in accordance with food safety standards from the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM). The testing was conducted from November 3–15, 2023, at PT Saraswanti Indo Genetech laboratory, Indonesia.

Results: The test showed that the mixed berry cereal bar contained 9.43% dietary fiber, exceeding BPOM standards. The product was free from heavy metal contamination (arsenic, cadmium, mercury, lead, and tin) and showed no trans fats. Microbiological tests confirmed that the product was safe from pathogenic microbes, with total plate count (TPC) and Enterobacteriaceae within safe limits. The product also did not contain Salmonella or Staphylococcus aureus.

Conclusions: This high-fiber cereal bar meets strict food safety and nutritional standards, making it suitable for development as emergency food. Its high fiber content and lack of harmful contaminants make it safe and nutritious for disaster victims. Continued testing and development with diverse flavors and formulations are recommended to improve acceptance across age groups in emergency situations.

Correlation between Exclusive Breastfeeding, Complementary Feeding, Infectious Disease with Wasting among Toddlers: a Cross-Sectional Study

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Wasting, an acute nutritional deficiency, is assessed using weight-for-height with a z-score of <-2SD from growth standards. The prevalence of wasting in Puskesmas Kendit is 14.31%, with Kukusan Village at 29%.

Objectives: This study examined the correlation between exclusive breastfeeding, Complementary Feeding (CF), infectious diseases, and wasting in young children.

Methods: Conducted with a cross-sectional design, the study sampled 51 toddlers through simple random sampling and analyzed the data using Spearman's correlation.

Results: Findings revealed no significant correlation between exclusive breastfeeding and wasting (p-value=0.105). However, there was a significant correlation between CF and wasting (p-value=0.026). Nutrient intake, including energy (p-value<0.001), protein (p-value<0.001), fat (p-value=0.002), and carbohydrates (p-value=0.025), was significantly correlated with wasting, as was the presence of infectious diseases (p-value=0.001).

Conclusions: While exclusive breastfeeding tends to reduce wasting, appropriate CF and adequate intake of energy, protein, fat, and carbohydrates are associated with a lower prevalence of wasting. Recommended actions include improving exclusive breastfeeding practices, enhancing the quality of CF, and increasing preventive measures for infectious diseases.

Design of Stunting Prevention Education Media Package Based on Technology and Local Wisdom

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Stunting leads to increased morbidity and mortality among children. To accelerate stunting reduction, family assistance teams support at-risk families, requiring engaging and accessible educational resources. However, existing educational media materials are fragmented and lack a comprehensive approach, resulting in gaps during family assistance sessions. To improve accessibility and efficacy, a comprehensive, technology-based educational tool is necessary.

Objectives: To develop a Stunting Prevention Education Media Package (PaSti PenTing) based on technology and local wisdom.

Methods: This study used a Research and Development approach conducted in Cirebon City. The stages included the formulation of basic concepts, and in-depth interviews with experts, namely the Chairman of the Central Board of the Indonesian Midwives Association, the Head of the Cirebon City Health Office, the Head of the Cirebon City Women's Empowerment, Child Protection, Population Control and Family Planning Office and lecturers with S3 backgrounds. These interviews provided input related to the materials used for designing the PaSti PenTing. The research instrument uses in-depth interview guidance and data analysis was carried out using content analysis.

Results: Based on expert input, the PaSti PenTing design was developed. The main menu consists of an introduction and a menu for target groups (teenagers, brides-to-be, pregnant women, postpartum mothers, and toddlers). Each menu contains educational materials.

Conclusions: PasTi PenTing is a comprehensive media that can be used by the assistance team and families at risk of stunting to improve knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors in stunting prevention.

The Onset Lactation, Early Initiation Breastfeeding, and Frequency of Antenatal Care as Determinants of Successful Exclusive Breastfeeding in Primipara Mothers

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Since 2016 the City of Surabaya has provided assistance and mentoring for pregnant mothers and infants during the first 1000 days of life. This initiative aims have been to alleviate stunting on children and increase exclusive breastfeeding coverage on breastfeeding mothers. However, the target for exclusive breastfeeding coverage has yet been achieved, and the level of coverage remains low despite these efforts.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the onset of lactation, early initiation breastfeeding frequency of antenatal care on exclusive breastfeeding in primipara mothers.

Methods: The research design was cross-sectional; the samples were 130 of 378 primipara mothers and lactating pregnant women who were selected by cluster random sampling. The data were analyzed using both Chi-Square and Logistic Regression analysis α=0.05. data was collected in April 2021.

Results: The results showed that there was a significant relationship between ANC, EIB, and onset of lactation with EB (x²=3.145; p-value=0.008, x²=18.745; p-value<0.001, and x²=47.147; p-value<0.001).

Conclusions: ANC, EIB, and onset of lactation are determining the success of EB.

Health Concerns as the Fundamental Dietary Choices for Potential Stunting Preventions: a Qualitative Study

Inne Soesanti, Taufiqurrahman Taufiqurrahman, Ani Intiyati, Sri Hidayati — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Pasongsongan Village lies in the Regency of Sumenep on the Island of Madura. It is a village bordered on the north by the Java Sea which is abundant of fish majorly consumed by adults. Whereas, children under two years old are scarcely served with fish in their diets.

Objectives: The study aims to observe any factors relevant to mothers’ choices in serving meals for children under two years of age.

Methods: This study used a qualitative approach with an ethnographic design. The informants were eleven mothers and grandmothers whose children were under two years old. Data was collected by way of interviews and observations. Subsequent to the data collection, the triangulation was carried out. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results: The results showed that children under two years of age were provided with complementary foods prior to the age of 6 months old. Four children were barely fed with fish due to numerous myths regarding worm infestation in toddlers of below two years old if they consume fish or any types of animal food. Moreover, six children were served with fish and animal food due to health issues.

Conclusions: In conclusion, the mothers’ choices for children’s meals under two years of age in this village were highly influenced by cultural and health concerns. The implication of this study was that selecting food for toddlers under two years old should bring up a positive impact on their growth.

The Correlation between Macronutrient Intake and Physical Activity with Overnutrition among Fifth-Grade Students at Banjarbendo State Elementary

Mujayanto Mujayanto, Echa Rahmalia Pratiwi — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Overweight status, which falls under the category of overweight and obesity, has become a serious and growing global health problem, especially among school-aged children. Unbalanced nutrition and low physical activity are the main factors contributing to the increasing prevalence of malnutrition among children in Indonesia.

Objectives: This study aims to analyze the correlation between macronutrient intake and physical activity with nutritional status (overweight and obesity) in fifth-grade students at Banjarbendo State Elementary School, Sidoarjo.

Methods: This study employed an observational analytical method with a cross-sectional design. The sample consisted of 64 fifth-grade students who were randomly selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected through anthropometric measurements to determine nutritional status based on body mass index-for-age (BMI-for-age) as well as interviews to assess food intake using a 2x24 hour food recall and physical activity using a 2x24 hour physical activity recall. Data analysis was carried out using Spearman’s correlation test with a 95% confidence level (α=0.05).

Results: The results indicated a significant correlation between macronutrient intake, physical activity, and nutritional status. Most students with excessive macronutrient intake and low physical activity were found to be overweight or obese

Conclusions: A significant correlation between macronutrient intake, physical activity level, and nutritional status was observed. It is important to raise awareness of balanced nutrition and encourage physical activity in children to prevent overnutrition and its associated health problems in the future.

The Effect of Continuity of Midwifery Care (CoMC) Based on EDUGARLIN Application and Booklet on Postpartum Fitness Quality

Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0700

Background: The puerperium is the period between the delivery of the placenta and the return of the uterus to its pre-pregnancy condition, which lasts for 6 weeks or 42 days. During this recovery period, mothers often experience several physiological and physical changes that cause discomfort. Several studies have shown that the discomfort experienced can lead to pathological development and complications when not treated properly. To prevent complications, information technology from smartphones with Android-based applications can be used to improve the quality of postpartum well-being.

Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the effect of utilizing EDUGARLIN (postpartum fitness education) application on the knowledge, attitudes, and quality of postpartum fitness in TPMB (Independent Midwife Practice).

Methods: The study procedures were carried out using a Quasi-experimental design with a nonequivalent posttest-only control group method. The purposive sampling was then used to select a total of 84 respondents, who were divided into 2 groups, namely EDUGARLIN application (intervention) and booklet (control). The data obtained in this study were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test.

Results: The results showed that there were significant differences in knowledge, attitudes, and postpartum fitness quality between the intervention and control groups. In the intervention group, 36 respondents (85.7%) had good knowledge, compared to 22 respondents (52.4%) in the control group (p-value<0.05). A total of 36 respondents (85.7%) also showed positive attitudes, compared to 34 (81%) in the control group (p-value<0.05). In addition, 38 respondents (90.5%) in the intervention group had good postpartum fitness quality, compared to 26 (61.9%) in the control group (p-value<0.05).

Conclusions: The android-based EDUGARLIN application was effective in improving knowledge, attitudes, and behavior of postpartum mothers in terms of the quality of postpartum fitness.