Eating Patterns of Stunting Students

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 143 views

Introduction

Malnutrition is a serious problem that can inhibit the development of children, often caused by insufficient food intake and various infectious diseases. Children who experience stunting or stunted growth experience negative impacts that can affect their quality of life in the future. This study aims to describe the diet of stunting students in SMP Negeri 1 Dolok Masihul, a school in Indonesia, to identify the eating patterns of these students and provide recommendations for improvement.

Methodology

This study uses a descriptive survey method with a cross-sectional research design. Data collection is done by calculating the adequacy of energy, protein, and various nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron. The method used is 24-hour food recall, where all students identified as experiencing stunting, totaling 102 people, were included in the research samples.

Results

The results showed that the diet of stunting students in SMP Negeri 1 Dolok Masihul showed a pretty good macro nutritional adequacy. The energy adequacy reaches 98%, while the adequacy of protein only reaches 77.5%, which is classified in the lack of category. In terms of micro nutrients, calcium adequacy is recorded at 98%, phosphorus 92.2%, magnesium 65.7%, zinc 97.1%, vitamin A 88.2%, vitamin C 92.2%, and iron 99%. However, the category of adequacy of magnesium and protein shows deficiencies that need further attention.

Eating Patterns of Stunting Students

On average, stunting students consume three types of food per day, with rice as their main staple food. Most students often consume fish, eggs, and tempeh as side dishes, as well as water spinach and cassava leaves as vegetables, with bananas as a choice of fruit.

Recommendations

To overcome this stunting problem, it is recommended that the school cooperates with the Puskesmas (Public Health Center) to hold counseling activities. This activity can be in the form of education about the importance of consuming various foods with sufficient quantities every day. In addition, making information posters in each class can be a means to increase student awareness about healthy eating patterns. With this collaboration, it is hoped that stunting students can catch up in their growth.

Conclusion

A good diet is very important for student growth and development. By improving eating patterns and increasing awareness of the importance of nutrition, it is hoped that stunting students in SMP Negeri 1 Dolok Masihul can have a better opportunity to grow optimally, both physically and intellectually. Through this research, it is hoped that there will be concrete steps taken by the school and parents to improve the nutritional conditions of students, for a better future for our children.

Limitations of the Study

This study has some limitations. The sample size is relatively small, and the data collection method used is a 24-hour food recall, which may not be representative of the students' usual eating patterns. Additionally, the study only focuses on the diet of stunting students and does not consider other factors that may contribute to stunting, such as socioeconomic status and access to healthcare.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to investigate the relationship between diet and stunting in a larger sample size and using more robust data collection methods. Additionally, studies should consider other factors that may contribute to stunting, such as socioeconomic status and access to healthcare. By understanding the complex factors that contribute to stunting, we can develop more effective interventions to improve the nutritional conditions of students and promote healthy growth and development.

Implications for Practice

The findings of this study have implications for practice in schools and communities. Schools can work with Puskesmas to provide nutrition education and counseling to students and their families. Additionally, schools can promote healthy eating habits by providing nutritious food options in the cafeteria and encouraging students to make healthy food choices. By working together, we can promote healthy growth and development in students and improve their quality of life.

References

[List of references cited in the study]

Appendix

[Additional tables, figures, and data that support the findings of the study]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Stunting Student Eating Patterns at SMP Negeri 1 Dolok Masihul in 2017 =============================================================================================

Q: What is stunting, and how does it affect children?

A: Stunting is a condition where children experience growth failure, resulting in a lower than average height for their age. Stunting can affect children's physical and intellectual development, making them more susceptible to illnesses and reducing their quality of life.

Q: What are the causes of stunting in children?

A: Stunting can be caused by a combination of factors, including inadequate nutrition, poor sanitation, and lack of access to healthcare. In the case of the study, the diet of stunting students in SMP Negeri 1 Dolok Masihul showed a lack of protein and magnesium, which are essential nutrients for growth and development.

Q: What are the eating patterns of stunting students in SMP Negeri 1 Dolok Masihul?

A: The study found that stunting students in SMP Negeri 1 Dolok Masihul consume three types of food per day, with rice as their main staple food. They often consume fish, eggs, and tempeh as side dishes, as well as water spinach and cassava leaves as vegetables, with bananas as a choice of fruit.

Q: What are the recommendations for overcoming stunting in children?

A: The study recommends that schools cooperate with Puskesmas to hold counseling activities, providing education about the importance of consuming various foods with sufficient quantities every day. Additionally, making information posters in each class can be a means to increase student awareness about healthy eating patterns.

Q: How can parents and caregivers support children's growth and development?

A: Parents and caregivers can support children's growth and development by providing a balanced diet, ensuring access to healthcare, and promoting healthy habits such as regular exercise and adequate sleep.

Q: What are the implications of the study for schools and communities?

A: The study has implications for schools and communities to promote healthy eating habits and provide nutrition education to students and their families. Schools can work with Puskesmas to provide nutrition education and counseling, and promote healthy food options in the cafeteria.

Q: What are the limitations of the study?

A: The study has some limitations, including a relatively small sample size and the use of a 24-hour food recall method, which may not be representative of the students' usual eating patterns.

Q: What are the future research directions?

A: Future research should aim to investigate the relationship between diet and stunting in a larger sample size and using more robust data collection methods. Additionally, studies should consider other factors that may contribute to stunting, such as socioeconomic status and access to healthcare.

Q: How can readers get involved in promoting healthy eating habits and reducing stunting in children?

A: Readers can get involved by promoting healthy eating habits in their own families and communities, supporting nutrition education programs, and advocating for policies that promote access to healthy food and healthcare for all.