Factors Influencing the Feeding Pattern of Under-Five Children in Coastal Areas

Abstract

Malnutrition is a condition of chronic lack of nutrition. The cause of malnutrition among Madurese children live in coastal area can be caused by poor habit maternal feeding practices. Feeding patterns is important for optimizing growth and development on toddler. The purpose of this study is to analyze the cultural factors of ethnic Madura which influence feeding pattern on toddler on Transcultural Theory. The design of the study was descriptive analytic with cross sectional approach. The population were mothers with under-five children who suffered malnutrition as many as 34 people from 11 villages. Sample was chosen by using random sampling technique as much as 24 respondents. The independent variables in this study were education consisting of the level of education and knowledge of diet, and the cultural value of the efficacy, norms, and lifestyle. The dependent variable was feeding pattern. The data were collected by using questionnaire and analysed by using multiple linear regression test with a degree of significance p<0,05. The result showed a significant correlation of efficacy of fulfilment nutrition (p=0,039) and lifestyle (p=0,000), the most influential factor between the two factors is the lifestyle. The factor of cultural values particularly efficacy of fulfilment nutrition and lifestyle have a significant correlation with feeding pattern of Madurese, while the level of education, knowledge, and norms show not significant results. Further research was suggested to enhance and support feeding pattern with an effective health Education in a coastal setting.