Nutritional Issues Research Articles

Hubungan Status Gizi Dengan Perkembangan Anak Usia 4-5 Tahun di TK Aisyiyah Bustanul Atfal 2 Labuhan Ratu Baru Kecamatan Way Jepara

Nutrition is one of the aspects that affects the growth and development of children. Nutritional status is an important health indicator, and vulnerable groups facing nutritional issues include children under five years old. Signs of developmental disorders include slow maturation of nerve cells, delayed motor skills, decreased intelligence, sluggish social reactions, and difficulties in speaking, language, and independence. Nutritional problems in children according to weight-for-age (BB/U) include undernutrition, short stature (TB/U), and underweight (BB/TB). The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between nutritional status and the development of children aged 4-5 years at Aisyiyah Bustanul Atfal 2 Kindergarten. The subjects of this study are all children aged 4-5 years enrolled at Aisyiyah Bustanul Atfal 2 Kindergarten in Labuhan Ratu Baru Way, Jepara District, totaling 54 children. This study uses total sampling technique. The methodology employed is quantitative research with a cross-sectional design, and data collection was conducted using a microtoise to assess height, a digital scale to measure weight, and the KPSP questionnaire to evaluate nutritional status in relation to child development. The study findings indicate a significant relationship between nutritional status according to weight-for-age (BB/U) and child development (p=0.000) with a strong negative correlation (r= -0.748). There is a significant correlation between nutritional status according to height-for-weight (BB/TB) and child development (p=0.000) with a strong positive correlation (r=0.610). There is also a significant relationship regarding the correlation between nutritional status according to height-for-age (TB/U) and child development (p=0.025) with a weak positive correlation (r=0.304). It is advisable to provide education and early detection of developmental issues in toddlers experiencing nutritional disorders.

True Cost Accounting Using Life Cycle Assessment Methods and Data: A Case Study Comparing Palm, Rapeseed, and Coconut Oils for Sustainability and Nutrition

True Cost Accounting (TCA) aims to assess positive and negative externalities in agri-food value chains by focusing on four capitals: produced, natural, human, and social. While produced capital is easily measured through market values, obtaining relevant data for measuring natural, human, and social capitals can be challenging. To address this challenge, this paper presents a case study around the production in Asia of three globally important edible plant oils: palm, rapeseed, and coconut. Results show that readily available methods and data from different types of Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) can be integrated into the framework of TCA to quantify and monetize positive and negative externalities associated with the production and consumption of these oils and to analyze the tradeoffs involved in choosing among them. However, the use of LCA methods and data also entails significant assumptions and limitations that must be considered when evaluating their use in TCA. Specific results show that the environmental impacts of production are small in comparison to the potential nutritional health benefits of consuming one oil over another. This study provides a roadmap for conducting similar analyses, allowing for a greater understanding of often overlooked sustainability and nutritional issues of food items.

Analysing the contribution of trees and green spaces to household nutrition security in eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Food from trees and green spaces can diversify diets and enhance food and nutrition security for households. However, sourcing food from these areas often receives little attention in addressing nutrition issues. This study assessed the contribution of trees and green spaces to household food consumption and nutrition in the eThekwini Municipal Area (EMA) located in KwaZulu-Natal South Africa, focusing on the Osindisweni and Maphephetheni communities, which are biologically diverse and face high poverty, unemployment, and food insecurity. Using stratified random sampling, 280 households were selected to complete questionnaires. Additionally, two Focus Group Discussions (FDG's) and key informant interviews were conducted with community members and municipal representatives. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Household Food Consumption Score (FCS), Ordered Logistic Regression and a thematic analysis was done to analyse responses from Focus Group Discussions. The results showed that 93.6% of households consumed acceptable diets, with only 5.0% in the borderline and 1.4% in the poor categories. Specifically, Osindisweni and Maphephetheni households reported 93.3% and 93.7% acceptable diets, respectively. Ordered logistic regression indicated that both cultivated and uncultivated green spaces, household size, number of dependants, as well as access to training, agricultural assistance, extension, and advisory services negatively correlated with nutrition security. While communities recognized the contributions of trees and green spaces, they believed that these sources alone were insufficient. It is concluded that consumption of products from trees and green spaces likely did not improve the nutrition security of the households. To improve household nutrition security in eThekwini, it is vital to foster collaboration among stakeholders, including nutritionists and extension agents. Strengthening the knowledge of extension officers regarding the harvesting and consumption of food from trees and green spaces is crucial for disseminating effective guidance to households, thereby enhancing nutrition outcomes.

Determining Information Requirements for a Mobile Self-Care App for Chronic Kidney Disease Patients

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease is a common condition that affects a person's entire life after diagnosis. Self-care using a mobile phone helps to improve the management and ease the disease. This study aims to identify the educational content needed to design a self-care mobile application for chronic kidney disease patients. Methods: This applied study was conducted using a descriptive method. The tool used was a researcher-made questionnaire, which was validated for reliability and validity. The study population consisted of nephrologists and general surgeons, from which 25 participants were randomly and purposefully selected from the nephrology clinics of Tehran and Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics with SPSS software version 19. Results: The educational content of the application was organized into three main axes, comprising 28 educational needs: Disease information, including understanding kidney function, stages of disease progression, and early and primary signs and symptoms; medications, encompassing familiarity with prescribed medications, drug interactions, and the importance of accurate and timely medication intake; and lifestyle and personal habits, covering healthy nutrition, weight management, and work-related issues. However, topics such as diagnostic methods, various tests, drug side effects, dietary regimens, nutritional energy tables, and opioid use were not deemed essential. Conclusion: The educational needs serve as the first step in designing a self-care application for chronic kidney disease education. By defining the technical capabilities and various features of the application, patient awareness and adherence to desirable self-care behaviors will improve.

Gambaran Faktor Risiko Kejadian Stunting pada Ibu dengan Anak Balita Stunting di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Baregbeg

Stunting is one of the main nutritional issues that Indonesian toddlers face. The prevalence of stunting in toddlers (children under five years old) was 30.8% in 2018, according to the Basic Health Research (Riskesdas) results. This dropped to 27.67% in 2019 (Indonesian Nutrition Status Survey (SSGI), 2019), and then increased to 24.4% in 2021 (SSGI, 2021). The purpose of this study is to identify the risk factors for stunting in women in the Ciamis Regency working area of the Baregbeg Community Health Center who have stunted children under five in 2024. Descriptive research using a cross-sectional design was the methodology employed. Using a questionnaire, the study's population composed of all the mothers of 36 kids with stunting in the Baregbeg Health Center's working area. The majority of stunted toddlers had a history of exclusive breastfeeding (80.56%), middle class mothers in a middle educational level (55.56%), low parental income (86.11%), low birth weight babies (86.11%), infectious diarrheal diseases (86.11%), poor diet (77.78%), and an unvarried diet (88.88%), based to the research's results. To help to prevent potential problems with the child's growth and development, it is advised that moms of stunted children give their children greater care.

Maternal Characteristics and Iron Intake as a Factors of Iron Deficiency Anemia among Pregnant Women

Pregnancy is a critical period for fetal growth and development, nutritional issues can significantly affect both maternal and fetal health. This phase is marked by increased nutritional needs to support fetal development and maintain maternal well-being. This study investigates the prevalence and risk factors of iron deficiency anemia among pregnant women in Parung Panjang District Health Center, Indonesia. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 92 pregnant women, examining various maternal characteristics and nutrient adequacy levels. The prevalence of anemia was found to be 36%. Parity emerged as a significant factor, with primipara mothers showing a higher anemia rate (46%) compared to multipara mothers (23.8%). Iron intake adequacy was also significantly associated with anemia status (p = 0.050). Women with insufficient iron intake had a higher rate of anemia (45.7%) compared to those with sufficient intake (26.1%). Other factors such as maternal age, education, and vitamin C intake did not show significant associations with anemia. These findings highlight the importance of targeted interventions for primipara mothers and emphasize the crucial role of adequate iron intake during pregnancy. The study underscores the need for comprehensive anemia prevention strategies in prenatal care.

STRATEGIES FOR IMPROVING CHILD WELFARE THROUGH MULTIFACTOR INTERVENTIONS TO ADDRESS STUNTING IN MAKASSAR CITY, SOUTH SULAWESI

ABSTRACTStunting is a chronic nutritional problem frequently occurring in children, with factors such asfood access, nutritional intake, social factors, and economic conditions playing significant rolesin its manifestation. This study aims to identify effective strategies to reduce stunting ratesamong children in Makassar City, South Sulawesi. Utilizing a quantitative approach, the studyconducted household surveys with structured questionnaires involving 180 respondents, whowere parents of children under five experiencing stunting. Data analysis was performed usingstructural path analysis with SmartPLS4. The findings indicate that strengthening socialprotection systems, improving access to quality food, nutrition education, health educationprograms, and family empowerment are crucial factors in preventing stunting. These resultsprovide significant contributions to the development of targeted and sustainableinterventions to address chronic nutritional issues in South Sulawesi, particularly in Makassar City.

Efficacy of a WeChat-Based, Multidisciplinary, Full-Course Nutritional Management Program on the Nutritional Status of Patients With Ovarian Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy: Randomized Controlled Trial.

As the most malignant type of cancer in the female reproductive system, ovarian cancer (OC) has become the second leading cause of death among Chinese women. Chemotherapy is the main treatment for patients with OC, and its numerous adverse effects can easily lead to malnutrition. It is difficult to centrally manage patients with OC in the intervals between chemotherapy. The use of WeChat, an effective mobile tool, in chronic disease management has been highlighted. This study aimed to implement a continuous follow-up strategy and health monitoring based on the WeChat platform for patients with OC undergoing chemotherapy to ensure that each phase of chemotherapy was delivered on schedule and to improve the survival rate of patients with OC. Participants were recruited and randomly assigned to either the WeChat-based nutrition intervention group or the usual care group. A self-administered general information questionnaire was used at enrollment to obtain basic information about the patients. The Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) Scale was used to investigate the nutritional status of the patients at 3 time points (T0=before the first admission to the hospital for chemotherapy, T1=2 weeks after the first chemotherapy, and T6=2 weeks after the sixth chemotherapy). The blood indices of patients were investigated through the inhospital health care system at 3 times（T0=before the first admission to the hospital for chemotherapy, T1=2 weeks after the first chemotherapy, and T6=2 weeks after the sixth chemotherapy). Patients in the intervention group were introduced to the nutrition applet, invited to join the nutrition management group chat, and allowed to consult on nutritional issues in private chats with nutrition management team members. Linear mixed models were used to analyze changes in each nutritional indicator in the 2 groups, with their baseline measurements as covariates; with group, time, and group-time interactions considered as fixed effects; and with patients considered as random effects. A total of 96 patients with OC undergoing chemotherapy were recruited into the study. Distribution was based on a 1:1 ratio, with 48 patients each in the nutrition intervention group and the usual care group. The attrition rate after the first chemotherapy session was 18.75%. The mixed linear model revealed that the group-based effect and the group-time interaction effect on PG-SGA scores were significant (F38,38=4.763, P=.03; F37,37=6.368, P=.01), whereas the time-based effect on PG-SGA scores was not (F38,38=0.377; P=.54). The findings indicated that the group-based effect, the time-based effect, and the group-time interaction effect on nutrition-inflammation composite indices were significant (F38,38=7.653, P=.006; F38,38=13.309, P<.001; F37,37=92.304, P<.001; F37,38=110.675, P<.001; F38,38=10.379, P=.002; and F37,37=5.289, P=.02). This study provided evidence that a WeChat-based, multidisciplinary, full-course nutritional management program can significantly improve the nutritional status of patients with OC during chemotherapy.

Exploring the effect of diet programs on the behavior of Sudanese children with autism and the prevalence and association of gastrointestinal symptoms: a multi-center cross-sectional study.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by social difficulties, speech and nonverbal communication issues, and restricted behaviors. Nutritional issues, such as food allergies and intolerances, can affect children with ASD. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of diet programs on ASD behavior and gastrointestinal symptoms, which would be considered as a starting point to increase the family's knowledge about how to practice healthy and suitable dieting for their children. The study was a cross-sectional observational study on 45 children with an autism spectrum disorder in four centers aged 2-18 in Khartoum state. Data was collected through an interview questionnaire, which included sociodemographic, diet, gastrointestinal, and behavioral assessments. The data was analyzed using SPSS to find the correlation between the various variables. Independent t-test, Analysis of Variance, and Mann-Whitney test were used in univariant analysis to assess the association between study variables, while multiple linear regression was used in multivariant analysis for the same purpose. The study involved a large number of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with 80% being male and 73.3% being school-aged. Most had parents as guardians and 71.1% were in intermediate financial status. About 20% were overweight or obese, and 57.8% did not have a specific diet program. Food selectivity was prevalent, with 22.7% having allergies to milk and wheat. ASD children experienced vomiting, gastric reflux, abdominal pain, and changes in stool characteristics. A significant link was found between financial status, behavioral status and gastrointestinal changes. High financial status was significantly different from intermediate and low statuses based on behavioral changes. However, no significant association was found in multivariant analysis. The study found that ASD children generally have good nutritional health, with a higher degree of dietary selection. The financial status of guardians significantly influenced behavioral and gastrointestinal changes in the children. Further interventional studies are recommended to assess the direct impact of diet programs on these symptoms.

ОСОБЕННОСТИ СПОРТИВНОГО ПИТАНИЯ СТУДЕНТОВ-БАСКЕТБОЛИСТОВ

The purpose of the research is to analyze the experience of using sports nutrition, food substitutes and biologically active additives (BAS) by basketball students of a sports university. Methods and organization of the research. In total, 749 students of the Volga State University of Physical Culture, Sports and Tourism took part in the study, 58% of them were girls and 42% were boys. The survey was conducted by filling out Google forms. During the questionnaire survey, students were asked to answer 42 questions with the "required question" option enabled, which allowed for all questions to be answered by each respondent. Results and their discussion. The results are presented in comparison of male and female basketball players, as well as in comparison with athletes of 48 other sports. The analysis of the experience of using sports nutrition, food substitutes and biologically active additives (BAS) by basketball students of a sports university allowed to draw a number of conclusions about the advisability of their use in the diet of athletes based on such indicators as: duration and regularity of use, following the recommended rules for the use of sports nutrition, subjective assessment of its effect on one's own body, the motive of use and the factors contributing to this, in particular, the price and the manufacturer. One of the aspects of the problem is the weight of the importance of third-party advisors in the decision-making process regarding the use of sports nutrition, the validity of its use, approval of the coach and confirmation of the need by the doctor based on specific health studies. Conclusion. According to a number of positions (duration and regularity of sports nutrition use, motives for use), basketball students do not differ from students engaged in other sports. At the same time, there are indicators (the importance of coach's advice, subjective assessment of side effects, a number of factors affecting the tendency to use sports nutrition) that are characteristic exclusively for basketball players. An analysis of the state of this disposition among basketball students of a sports university made it possible to highlight the essence and necessity to initiate additional research in the field of sports nutrition, as well as the demand for an academic discipline covering sports nutrition issues in the training program for students of sports universities. Keywords: SPORTS NUTRITION, SPORTS SUPPLEMENTS, BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE SUPPLEMENTS, BASKETBALL STUDENTS, STUDENTS OF A SPORTS UNIVERSITY

Organoleptic Characteristics of Food Bars with Substituted Tempeh and Tofu Waste as Snacks for Obese Adolescents

The nutritional issues among adolescents included both undernutrition and overnutrition. Undernutrition was generally caused by low energy intake from food compared to the energy burned by the body, while overnutrition occurred when energy intake exceeded energy expenditure. These nutritional problems also influence adolescents' body image. This research aimed to develop food bar products made from tempeh and tofu waste as snacks for obese adolescents. The research process began with the preparation stage of raw materials, including drying tofu waste. Subsequently, food bars were made using three formulas: F1 (60% dried tofu waste and 40% tempeh), F2 (70% dried tofu waste and 30% tempeh), and F3 (80% dried tofu waste and 20% tempeh). The third stage involved organoleptic testing with 30 untrained panelists, using a preference test for attributes of texture, color, aroma, and taste, with a hedonic scale ranging from 1 (dislike extremely) to 4 (like extremely). Statistical analysis was conducted using ANOVA and Duncan's Test with a confidence level of 95%. The results showed that the panelists preferred food bar product F3 based on texture, color, and aroma attributes, while, F1 received the highest rating. Overall, F3 was deemed the most favored. The conclusion of this study indicated that the recommended food bars as snacks for obese adolescents were F3 (80% dried tofu waste and 20% tempeh), with an average liking score of 3 (like).

Feasibility of a multifaceted nutrition-risk screening tool for mental health settings: the NutriMental screener.

People living with mental illness report a broad spectrum of nutrition risks, beyond malnutrition, but appropriate and adequately validated nutrition risk screening tools for mental health settings are lacking. This study aimed to develop a nutrition-risk screening tool, the NutriMental Screener, and to perform preliminary feasibility and validity testing. In an international, stakeholder engaging approach, a multifaceted nutrition-risk screening tool for mental health services was developed by means of workshops with international stakeholders and two online surveys. Feasibility of the NutriMental screener was tested as part of a research study in Switzerland with 196 participants, evenly distributed across the three study groups (sixty-seven outpatients and sixty-five inpatients with psychotic or depressive disorders as well as sixty-four controls without mental illness). The NutriMental screener consists of ten items covering different nutritional issues that indicate the need for referral to a dietitian or clinical nutritionist. Almost all patients (94·7 %) reported at least one nutrition risk by means of the NutriMental screener. Prevalence for nutrition risks via NutriMental screener was higher in patients than in controls. Almost every second patient expressed a desire for nutritional support (44·7 %). After further validity testing is completed, there is the potential for the NutriMental Screener to replace malnutrition screening tools as routine screening in various mental health settings aiming to organise nutritional therapy prescriptions in a more targeted and efficient manner.

Fast-food consumption among Indian adolescents and associated factors

Fast food consumption is on a rise among adolescence in India and this age group is also facing the double burden of malnutrition. Fast foods are an unhealthy food choice and are associated with increasing obesity and related non -communicable diseases at a young age. India has the largest adolescent population and the health and nutrition issues of this group need to be addressed. Ironically children and teenagers who require more healthy nutritious food constitutes the largest population preferring fast foods. There is need to gain a clear insight on the issue in Indian context therefore the current paper was undertaken to study the scale of the problem, along with factors contributing to rising fast-food consumption among adolescent in India. The review primarily focused on existing Indian studies pertaining to the issue. Available studies report high prevalence of fast-food consumption and lower than recommended consumption of fruits, green leafy vegetables and dairy products which is likely to result in higher calorie consumption and lesser intake of protein, vitamins, minerals, dietary fibre and phytochemicals in respondents. Both urban and rural adolescence show rising trends of fast-food consumption. It is higher among the urban counterparts. Studies establishing association between overweight/obesity and junk food/fast food consumption in this age group could be sighted. Studies reported taste, affordability, availability, advertising and marketing, parental influence, nuclear families and working mothers, peer pressure and meal skipping to be the contributory associated factors.

A vision-based dietary survey and assessment system for college students in China

Understanding the current dietary habits of college students is essential due to the pressing issues of unbalanced diets and insufficient nutrition. However, traditional approaches frequently depend on recollection, which can introduce unconscious bias and make them difficult to implement. Herein, we introduce a new computer vision system to evaluate the dietary habits of college students in China. A specialized food dataset comprising RGB-D images, recipes with ingredient masses, and nutrient composition was created using data collected from college canteens. First, object detection models were utilized to identify food categories and locations. Subsequently, we introduced a method for automatically estimating the food volume of nonstandard portions using position and depth information. The final nutrients were derived directly or indirectly through the database. Experimental results demonstrate the applicability of the YOLOv8 object detection model and volume estimation method to our tasks. To support the development of devices for detecting food intake and diet management, we have made our dataset publicly available. The College Canteen Food-100 dataset is publicly available at https://github.com/zichengzichengzi/CC-FOOD-100.

BEHAVIOURAL PATTERNS OF CHILDREN IN KADUNA STATE ORPHANAGES: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

Background The plight of orphans, exacerbated by conflict, disease, and socioeconomic factors, remains a pressing global issue, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Nigeria, notably impacted by the HIV/AIDS epidemic, terrorism, and natural disasters, has witnessed a substantial increase in orphan populations. These children face severe challenges, including child abuse, malnutrition, limited access to education, stigmatization, and a range of psychological and behavioural disorders. Despite some interventions, orphanages primarily address material needs, often neglecting comprehensive medical, social, and psychosocial support. This study explores the behavioural patterns of orphans in Kaduna, Nigeria, and examines how their medical and social challenges compare across various orphanages. Methodology A cross-sectional, comparative analysis was conducted among 100 orphans from selected orphanages in Kaduna. Data were collected through interviewer-administered questionnaires assessing socio-demographics, medical conditions, behavioural patterns, stigma, psychosocial status, and coping strategies. Results The mean age of respondents was 10 years, with 68% being male. Nutritional issues were prevalent, with 53.7% classified as underweight despite 54.9% reportedly consuming balanced diets. Medical concerns were significant, with 33.7% showing clinical signs of illness and 46.7% not fully immunized. Behavioural issues were prominent, including hyperactivity symptoms (27.0%), enuresis (22.3%), and depressive symptoms (1.8%). Socially, most respondents (83.3%) reported positive peer relationships, though bullying (11.4%) and stigmatization (9%) were also observed. Educational access was generally high, with only 2.2% not attending school. However, social support systems varied, with 35.2% reporting strong support and 46.8% adapting their goals as a coping mechanism. Conclusion The findings highlight the complex medical and behavioural challenges faced by orphans in Kaduna's orphanages, underscoring the need for integrated interventions that provide medical, psychosocial, and educational support. A holistic approach is crucial to improving their overall well-being and future prospects.

IMPACT OF NITROGEN FERTILIZATION ON BREAD WHEAT: SCREENING FOR CHANGES IN QUALITY, ANTIOXIDANT AND ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID CONTENT

Wheat grain has a unique nutritional value and contains health-promoting and essential components in the daily human diet. Increasing consumer awareness of health and nutrition has led to a greater focus on sustainable and healthy wheat production in the face of climate change. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of nitrogen on yield and protein characteristics as well as antioxidant capacity and essential amino acid profile of bread wheat genotypes adapted to different ecological conditions. Different nitrogen doses (0, 60, 120 and 180 kg ha-1) were applied to 15 genotypes (3 lines, 1 hybrid and cultivars) with different growth habit to determine yield, quality, antioxidant and amino acid composition parameters. As a result of this study, total phenol content, antioxidant activity and gluten index of wheat decreased although grain yield potential increased in genotypes. In the results where the genetic factor is the primary focus, it was established that the responses to nitrogen fertilizer doses exhibited variability across different years particularly the case during the dry season. With regard to the YearxNitrogenxGenotype interaction, a notable increase was observed in total phenol content and antioxidant activity, while a decline was evident in yield, protein, and wet gluten parameters, particularly in the nitrogen dose applied during the dry season. The increase in protein content contributed significantly and positively to the essential amino acid composition. However, increasing the amount of some amino acids negatively affects others. The objective of this study is to identify and contribute insights into the impact of nitrogen factor on product quality, health and nutrition issues, grain yield potential of genotypes, plant breeding and agronomic studies.

Identifying and addressing health-related social needs: a Medicaid member perspective.

Multiple state and national health care organizations have invested in activities to screen for and address the health-related social needs (HRSNs) of their patients. However, patient perspectives concerning HRSN screening discussions and facilitated referrals to supports are largely unexplored. The main objectives of this study were to explore the ways in which Massachusetts Medicaid (MassHealth) members engage with their health care clinicians to discuss HRSNs, to identify common needs discussed, and to describe whether members feel these needs are being addressed by health care clinicians and staff. The study team performed a cross-sectional, qualitative research study that included in-depth, open-ended interviews with 44 adult MassHealth members. Interviews were conducted between June and October 2022. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and systematically coded for analysis, and common themes were reported. The data collected for this study were part of a larger independent evaluation of MassHealth's 2017-2022 Section 1115 Demonstration that granted authority from CMS to implement health care delivery system reforms in Massachusetts. In this qualitative study of Medicaid members, some reportedly felt comfortable freely discussing all of their clinical and social needs with their health care clinicians, while others noted feelings of apprehension. Several members recalled being asked about their HRSNs in various clinical or community settings, while others did not. The majority of members endorsed having an unmet HRSN, including housing, nutrition, financial, or transportation issues, and many barriers to addressing these HRSNs were discussed. Finally, many members cited a preference for discussing HRSNs with community-based care coordinators and social workers at the community partner organizations rather than with their health care clinicians. Community-based care coordinators were lauded as essential facilitators in making the connection to necessary resources to help address HRSNs. Study results highlight an opportunity to increase the effectiveness of HRSN screening and referral practices within the health care setting through relationship building between Medicaid members and diverse interdisciplinary care teams that include staff such as community health workers. Continued investment in cross-sector partnerships, screening workflows, and patient-clinician relationships may contribute to establishing an environment in which members can comfortably discuss HRSNs and connect with needed services to improve their health.

EDUKASI PENINGKATAN GIZI ANAK DALAM UPAYA CEGAH STUNTING DI GUNUNG GEULIS

The community service program on child nutrition education aimed at preventing stunting in Desa Gunung Geulis sought to address the high prevalence of stunting due to nutritional issues. Initial situation analysis revealed that 40% of children in the village experienced stunting, with 70% of parents having limited knowledge about balanced nutrition. Based on these findings, comprehensive and easily understandable educational materials and training modules were developed, covering essential information on balanced nutrition, types of nutritious foods, and methods for preparing and presenting healthy meals using local ingredients. The outreach and training were conducted at three strategic locations and attended by 150 parents and caregivers, employing interactive and practical methods. Follow-up support and monitoring over three months showed that 80% of the families improved their children’s nutritional intake. The final evaluation indicated a significant increase in parental knowledge about nutrition from 30% to 85% and a reduction in stunting prevalence from 10% to 8% within six months. These results demonstrate that a structured, community-based educational approach effectively enhances nutritional knowledge and reduces stunting, significantly impacting child well-being in Desa Gunung Geulis.

The Analysis of Risk Factors in Toddlers on The Occurrence of Stunting In Pidie

Nutritional issues in toddlers continue to be a primary concern in population settings. Among these issues are stunting, wasting, and overweight (World Health Organization, 2020). Stunting remains a major nutritional problem in developing countries such as Indonesia. Stunting, or chronic malnutrition, is a nutritional issue resulting from prolonged inadequate nutrient intake from food (Andriani et al., 2017). Short stature in toddlers (stunting) is determined by body length or height that is less than -2 SD according to WHO global references for children compared to other children of the same age (World Health Organization, 2013). The global prevalence of stunted toddlers, according to WHO, is 21.9%. According to the Indonesian Nutrition Status Survey (SSGI) by the Ministry of Health, the prevalence of stunted toddlers in this province was 31.2% last year. The highest incidence of stunting in Aceh is in Kota Subulussalam, which had the highest prevalence of stunted toddlers in Aceh in 2022, reaching 47.9%. This number jumped 6.1 points from 41.8% in 2021. Pidie Regency, with 27.8%, ranks fifth highest in Aceh. This study used a cross-sectional design with a sample of 334 toddlers chosen using the Slovin formula. Sampling was conducted randomly among mothers of underweight toddlers in local health center in Pidie Regency, which has a toddler population of 1,979. Statistical software SPSS 23 with Chi-square was used for data analysis. The findings from this study, derived from bivariate statistical analysis using the Chi-square test at a 95% confidence level, yielded a p-value of 0.268 (p &gt; 0.05). This indicates that the Antenatal Care variable does not affect the risk of stunting. For the immunization variable, the test results showed a p-value of 0.515 (p &gt; 0.05), indicating no relationship between immunization and the risk of stunting. For the exclusive breastfeeding variable, a p-value of 0.038 (p &lt; 0.05) was obtained, indicating that exclusive breastfeeding affects the risk of stunting. The maternal nutrition during pregnancy variable resulted in a p-value of 0.037 (p &lt; 0.05), indicating that maternal nutrition affects the risk of stunting. As for the parenting pattern variable, the test resulted in a p-value of 0.007 (p &lt; 0.05), indicating that parenting patterns greatly influence the risk of stunting.

The impact of oral melatonin on pain and anxiety reduction during venipuncture in pediatric patients: a double-blind randomized clinical trial

Background: Pain resulting from therapeutic procedures and injections is a prevalent source of stress for children. Immediate side effects of pain in infants include syncope, irritability, sleep disturbances, and nutritional issues. This study aimed to investigate the effects of oral melatonin on alleviating pain and anxiety in pediatric patients undergoing venipuncture. Methods: This double-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted in the pediatric emergency ward. Patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups; the intervention group received 0.5 mg/kg of oral melatonin (maximum 5 mg) 30 min before venipuncture, while the placebo group received an equivalent amount of a placebo 30 min before the procedure. Using the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) scale, postcanulation fear, pain severity, compliance, and potential side effects were evaluated. Results: In total, 202 patients (113 male and 89 female) in the intervention and control groups were included in the analysis. The mean pain score during venipuncture was 1.52±3.04 in the intervention group and 2.04±6.57 in the control group (P&lt;0.001). In the intervention group, only 19 (18.8%) patients reported pain during venipuncture, whereas 79 (78.2%) patients in the control group reported pain (P&lt;0.001). Less than half (44.6%) of the patients in the intervention group experienced anxiety during venipuncture, while the majority (94.1%) of the patients in the control group exhibited anxiety (P&lt;0.001). The venipuncture success rate was 60.4% in the intervention group and 51.5% in the control group (P=0.257). Conclusion: Administering 0.5 mg/kg of oral Melatonin 30 min before venipuncture reduces procedure-related pain and anxiety in pediatric patients and may be associated with higher venipuncture success rates.