Deeper education to mothers

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 27 views

An Overview of the Pattern of Giving MP-ASI, Mother's Participation is Present at Posyandu, and the Nutritional Status of Toddlers in the Working Area of the Padangsidimpuan City Health Center

Introduction

The nutritional needs of infants, especially up to the age of two years, are a crucial aspect that must be considered by every mother. In addition to breastfeeding with breast milk, the fulfillment of nutritional needs for infants aged 6 to 24 months can be achieved through the provision of complementary foods (MP-ASI) that are in accordance with the right age, portion, shape, and frequency. This study aims to describe the pattern of giving MP-ASI, the participation of mothers present at Posyandu, as well as the nutritional status of toddlers aged 6-24 months in the working area of the Pijorkoling Puskesmas, Padangsidimpuan City in 2018.

Methodology

The method used in this study is descriptive with cross design -Sectional, where data is collected through interviews using a questionnaire. The sample of this study consisted of 88 toddlers aged 6-24 months. Data collection about the pattern of administration of MP-ASI is done by interviewing mothers from children under five. Mother's participation in Posyandu is measured by checking the cards to Health (KMS) owned by toddlers. Body weight (BB) is obtained through weighing, while body length (Pb) is measured directly. The analysis conducted is univariate analysis.

Results

The results showed that the first time MP-ASI gave the most common in toddlers under the age of 6 months (52.3%). In the age group 6-8 months, many are given MP-ASI with an inappropriate form (50%). Other findings indicate a tendency for excessive portions and frequencies and are not in accordance with the age of toddlers, although the method of administration is generally declared good (76.1%). Regarding the participation of mothers in Posyandu, only 36.4% are active, while 63.6% are passive. In terms of nutritional status, the results show that the proportion of toddlers with good nutritional status based on BB/U is 89.8%, with normal nutritional status based on PB/U reaching 85.2%, and the nutritional status of BB/PB also shows the same number namely namely 89.8%.

Discussion

Based on the results of the study, there are several things that need to be noted. First, the pattern of giving MP-ASI that has not been optimal shows the need for deeper education to mothers about the importance of providing companion food in accordance with the stages of child development. The active involvement of mothers in Posyandu is very important not only to monitor children's growth, but also to get valuable health information. Therefore, good cooperation between Puskesmas, village midwives, and posyandu cadres is needed to increase the awareness and knowledge of the mother about the correct patterns of MP-ASI and the importance of attendance at the Posyandu. This is expected to support the improvement of the nutritional status of toddlers, which in turn will contribute to the overall health and development of children.

Conclusion

With these efforts, it is expected that mothers can better understand and apply the correct nutritional principles, so that they can meet the nutritional needs of toddlers and create a healthy and quality generation. The study highlights the importance of providing education and support to mothers in order to improve the nutritional status of toddlers. By increasing the awareness and knowledge of mothers about the correct patterns of MP-ASI and the importance of attendance at the Posyandu, it is expected that the nutritional status of toddlers will improve, and ultimately contribute to the overall health and development of children.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Deeper education to mothers: Mothers need to be educated about the importance of providing companion food in accordance with the stages of child development.
Active involvement of mothers in Posyandu: Mothers need to be actively involved in Posyandu not only to monitor children's growth, but also to get valuable health information.
Good cooperation between Puskesmas, village midwives, and posyandu cadres: Good cooperation between Puskesmas, village midwives, and posyandu cadres is needed to increase the awareness and knowledge of the mother about the correct patterns of MP-ASI and the importance of attendance at the Posyandu.
Improvement of the nutritional status of toddlers: The improvement of the nutritional status of toddlers is expected to contribute to the overall health and development of children.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations. Firstly, the sample size is relatively small, which may not be representative of the entire population. Secondly, the study only focuses on the nutritional status of toddlers aged 6-24 months, and does not take into account other factors that may affect the nutritional status of children. Finally, the study only collects data through interviews using a questionnaire, which may not be as accurate as other methods of data collection.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to:

Increase the sample size: Future studies should aim to increase the sample size to make the findings more representative of the entire population.
Take into account other factors: Future studies should take into account other factors that may affect the nutritional status of children, such as socioeconomic status, education level, and access to healthcare.
Use more accurate methods of data collection: Future studies should use more accurate methods of data collection, such as anthropometric measurements and biochemical tests, to get a more accurate picture of the nutritional status of children.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of providing education and support to mothers in order to improve the nutritional status of toddlers. By increasing the awareness and knowledge of mothers about the correct patterns of MP-ASI and the importance of attendance at the Posyandu, it is expected that the nutritional status of toddlers will improve, and ultimately contribute to the overall health and development of children.
Q&A: Understanding the Pattern of Giving MP-ASI, Mother's Participation in Posyandu, and the Nutritional Status of Toddlers

Q: What is MP-ASI and why is it important for toddlers?

A: MP-ASI stands for complementary food for infants, which is a type of food that is given to infants in addition to breast milk. It is essential for toddlers aged 6-24 months as it provides them with the necessary nutrients for growth and development.

Q: What are the benefits of giving MP-ASI to toddlers?

A: Giving MP-ASI to toddlers has several benefits, including:

Providing essential nutrients for growth and development
Helping to prevent malnutrition and related health problems
Supporting the development of a healthy gut microbiome
Enhancing cognitive and motor skills development

Q: What is Posyandu and how does it relate to MP-ASI?

A: Posyandu is a community health center in Indonesia that provides health services, including nutrition counseling and support. It is an essential platform for mothers to receive education and support on how to provide MP-ASI to their toddlers.

Q: What is the importance of mother's participation in Posyandu?

A: Mother's participation in Posyandu is crucial as it allows them to:

Receive education and support on how to provide MP-ASI to their toddlers
Monitor their child's growth and development
Get valuable health information and advice from healthcare professionals

Q: What are the common challenges faced by mothers in providing MP-ASI to their toddlers?

A: Some common challenges faced by mothers in providing MP-ASI to their toddlers include:

Lack of knowledge and understanding of the importance of MP-ASI
Limited access to nutritious and safe food options
Difficulty in preparing and administering MP-ASI
Limited support and resources from healthcare professionals and community members

Q: What are the key findings of the study on the pattern of giving MP-ASI, mother's participation in Posyandu, and the nutritional status of toddlers?

A: The study found that:

The first time MP-ASI was given to toddlers under the age of 6 months was the most common (52.3%)
Many toddlers were given MP-ASI with an inappropriate form (50%)
Excessive portions and frequencies of MP-ASI were common
Only 36.4% of mothers were actively involved in Posyandu
The nutritional status of toddlers was generally good, with 89.8% having a good nutritional status based on body weight and 85.2% having a normal nutritional status based on body length

Q: What are the implications of the study's findings for healthcare professionals and policymakers?

A: The study's findings have several implications for healthcare professionals and policymakers, including:

The need for deeper education and support for mothers on how to provide MP-ASI to their toddlers
The importance of increasing the awareness and knowledge of mothers about the correct patterns of MP-ASI and the importance of attendance at Posyandu
The need for good cooperation between Puskesmas, village midwives, and posyandu cadres to increase the awareness and knowledge of mothers about the correct patterns of MP-ASI and the importance of attendance at Posyandu

Q: What are the recommendations for future research on the topic?

A: Future research should aim to:

Increase the sample size to make the findings more representative of the entire population
Take into account other factors that may affect the nutritional status of children, such as socioeconomic status, education level, and access to healthcare
Use more accurate methods of data collection, such as anthropometric measurements and biochemical tests, to get a more accurate picture of the nutritional status of children.