Improving the quality and quantity of food in prisons

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 147 views

The Relationship Between Eating Patterns and Physical Activity with the Nutritional Status of Fostered Citizens in the Class I Correctional Institution Tanjung Gusta Medan

Introduction

The correctional institution, also known as Lapas, plays a vital role in fostering fostered citizens (WB), including their health aspects. However, the food intake provided in Lapas is still not optimal compared to the recommendations of the Nutrition Adequacy Figures (AKG) from the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia. This can lead to various non-communicable and chronic diseases, as well as reducing the health status of WB. Therefore, it is essential to examine the relationship between eating patterns and physical activity with the nutritional status of WB in the Class I Penitentiary in Tanjung Gusta Medan.

Background

The correctional institution has a significant impact on the health and well-being of fostered citizens. The food intake provided in Lapas is often inadequate, leading to malnutrition and related health problems. In addition, the imbalance between energy intake and physical activity carried out can trigger various non-communicable and chronic diseases. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate the relationship between eating patterns and physical activity with the nutritional status of WB in the Class I Penitentiary in Tanjung Gusta Medan.

Methodology

This study employed an observational research method with a cross-sectional approach. The research sample consisted of 630 WB, with a sample of 68 people selected randomly using the random sampling system. Data collection was done by recording WB identity, diet (type of food, amount, and frequency of consumption), physical activity, and nutritional status. Eating patterns were collected using the Food Recall method for two days, while the nutritional status was assessed through anthropometry (weight and height). Data analysis was performed using the Chi Square test.

Results

The Chi Square test results showed that there was no significant relationship between energy intake, carbohydrates, protein, and fat with the nutritional status of WB. The P values obtained were 0.159, 0.373, 0.373, and 0.185, respectively. In addition, no significant relationship was found between physical activity and the nutritional status of WB (p = 0.172).

Discussion

The results of this study indicate that although food intake and physical activity in prisons have not fully met health standards, this has not yet correlated significantly with the nutritional status of WB. This may be caused by other factors that are not examined in this study, such as genetic factors, previous health conditions, and psychological factors. Therefore, it is essential to consider these factors in future studies to gain a better understanding of the relationship between eating patterns and physical activity with the nutritional status of WB.

Conclusion

This study provides several important recommendations to improve the nutritional status and health of WB in the Class I Penitentiary in Tanjung Gusta Medan. These recommendations include:

Improving the quality and quantity of food in prisons: The Directorate General of Corrections needs to ensure the implementation of AKG in providing food in prisons, according to the portion and level of nutritional adequacy.
Improvement of physical activity programs: The need for structured and scheduled physical activity programs to improve physical and mental health of WB.
Development of Nutrition Education Program: The importance of nutritional education for WB to increase knowledge and awareness about the importance of healthy eating patterns.

Recommendations

Through these steps, it is hoped that the nutritional status and health of WB can be improved, so that they can undergo a period of coaching more optimally and return to the community with better conditions.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including the small sample size and the lack of consideration of other factors that may influence the relationship between eating patterns and physical activity with the nutritional status of WB. Therefore, future studies should consider these limitations and expand the scope of the study to gain a better understanding of the relationship between eating patterns and physical activity with the nutritional status of WB.

Future Directions

Future studies should investigate the relationship between eating patterns and physical activity with the nutritional status of WB in the Class I Penitentiary in Tanjung Gusta Medan, considering other factors that may influence this relationship. In addition, studies should be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the recommendations provided in this study.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the relationship between eating patterns and physical activity with the nutritional status of WB in the Class I Penitentiary in Tanjung Gusta Medan. The results of this study highlight the need for improving the quality and quantity of food in prisons, improving physical activity programs, and developing nutrition education programs to improve the nutritional status and health of WB.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Relationship Between Eating Patterns and Physical Activity with the Nutritional Status of Fostered Citizens in the Class I Correctional Institution Tanjung Gusta Medan

Q: What is the significance of this study?

A: This study is significant because it examines the relationship between eating patterns and physical activity with the nutritional status of fostered citizens in the Class I Correctional Institution Tanjung Gusta Medan. The findings of this study can provide valuable insights into the factors that influence the nutritional status of fostered citizens and inform strategies to improve their health and well-being.

Q: What are the main findings of this study?

A: The main findings of this study are that there is no significant relationship between energy intake, carbohydrates, protein, and fat with the nutritional status of fostered citizens. Additionally, no significant relationship was found between physical activity and the nutritional status of fostered citizens.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The limitations of this study include the small sample size and the lack of consideration of other factors that may influence the relationship between eating patterns and physical activity with the nutritional status of fostered citizens.

Q: What are the recommendations of this study?

A: The recommendations of this study include:

Improving the quality and quantity of food in prisons: The Directorate General of Corrections needs to ensure the implementation of AKG in providing food in prisons, according to the portion and level of nutritional adequacy.
Improvement of physical activity programs: The need for structured and scheduled physical activity programs to improve physical and mental health of fostered citizens.
Development of Nutrition Education Program: The importance of nutritional education for fostered citizens to increase knowledge and awareness about the importance of healthy eating patterns.

Q: What are the implications of this study?

A: The implications of this study are that the nutritional status and health of fostered citizens in the Class I Correctional Institution Tanjung Gusta Medan can be improved by implementing the recommendations provided in this study. This can lead to better health outcomes and improved quality of life for fostered citizens.

Q: What are the future directions of this study?

A: The future directions of this study include investigating the relationship between eating patterns and physical activity with the nutritional status of fostered citizens in the Class I Correctional Institution Tanjung Gusta Medan, considering other factors that may influence this relationship. In addition, studies should be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the recommendations provided in this study.

Q: What are the potential applications of this study?

A: The potential applications of this study include informing policies and programs aimed at improving the nutritional status and health of fostered citizens in correctional institutions. Additionally, the findings of this study can be used to develop educational programs and materials to promote healthy eating patterns and physical activity among fostered citizens.

Q: What are the potential benefits of this study?

A: The potential benefits of this study include improving the nutritional status and health of fostered citizens in the Class I Correctional Institution Tanjung Gusta Medan, reducing the risk of chronic diseases, and promoting overall well-being.