Optimization of growth and quality of life for short children through micronutrient supplementation

Abstract

The effect of Zinc (Zn) and Iron (Fe) supplementation in short children is relatively varied in its effect on growth and quality of life. To confirm the variation in the results of the study, in addition to optimizing the growth of stunted children from lost generation, this research is important. The purpose of this study was to optimize the growth and quality of life of stunted children through micronutrient supplementation of Zn and Fe. The study was designed experimentally with a randomized pretest-posttest control group design pattern. The subjects of the study were children under five who were randomly selected, who met the following criteria: living in the local area, age 36 - < 60 months, Z score TB/U < -2 SB, not suffering from chronic diseases and congenital defects, their parents were willing to become respondents and their children become research subjects. The number of subjects was 60 children, divided into two groups, namely 30 children in the treatment group and 30 children in the control group. The data collected include the characteristics of the subject, nutritional status (indices of BB/U and TB/U), blood Hb status, and quality of life of children (quality of physical, motor, cognitive, social, autonomy, negative mood, and positive mood) with interview method using a questionnaire. Data analysis was carried out descriptively and using a different test with Independent t test and Paired t test. The results showed that Zn and Fe supplementation significantly affected changes in height, weight and blood Hb levels. The margin of change in height, weight and blood Hb levels in the treatment group was significantly greater than that in the control group. While the condition of the quality of life for short children is relatively normal, they cannot be categorized as healthy children. Generally experience disturbances in the quality of cognitive function and negative mood. For this reason, it is recommended to give Zn and Fe supplements in an effort to handle the incidence of stunting in children so that they can spur increased growth and quality of life.