Gambaran Pengetahuan Orang Tua tentang Status Gizi pada Anak Usia 2-5 Tahun di Kelurahan Gisikdrono Semarang

Abstract

The optimal nutritional status of children is influenced by several factors; one of which is the knowledge of parents. Results of a preliminary study indicated that two mothers did not know the balanced nutritional intake and the signs of deficiency or excess of nutrients. In addition, nutritionists reported the lack of knowledge of parents as a cause of nutritional problems. In 2015, as many as 646 children under five in Semarang are still under the red line on their health books. In the work area of Lebdosari Public Health Center in 2017, it was found that 15 children had a nutrient deficiency, 82 children had nutrient excess, and 2 children suffered from malnutrition. Knowledge of parents becomes a very important factor in the nutritional fulfillment in children. If the nutritional problem continuously occurs, it may cause death. This study aimed to determine the description of parents’ knowledge of nutritional status in children aged 2-5 years in Gisikdrono Urban Village, Semarang. This study was a quantitative study with descriptive and survey approach. The sampling technique used in this study was purposive sampling with the total samples of 279 respondents. The results showed that parent’ knowledge about the nutritional status of children aged 2-5 years in Gisikdrono Urban Village, Semarang was in the level of poor (39.1%), adequate (52.3%), and good (8.6%). Based on the results of the study, it is recommended that parents increase their knowledge about nutritional status and be active in posyandu (integrated health service post) activities every month.