The Correlation between Characteristics, Knowledge of Nutrition and Nutritional Status (H/A) among Children Aged 6-59 Months in Medan City

Abstract

Background: The growth and development of children under five years (toddlers) is an indicator of nutritional status in the community. North Sumatra Province is one of 27 provinces with the high prevalence of stunting (>=20%). Objective: This study aimed to identify a correlation between characteristics, knowledge of nutrition and nutritional status (H/A) among children aged 6-59 Months in Medan City. Methods: This observational study used a cross-sectional study design and was conducted from June to July 2022 at Titi Papan Primary Healthcare Center, Medan Deli District, Medan City. Sampling in this study was carried out using a random sampling technique, and the total samples were 153 toddlers. The independent variables in this study were characteristics and mother’s knowledge. While the dependent variable in this study was the nutritional status (H/A). Results: There were significant relationships between age (ρ=0.000), birth weight (ρ=0.018), family income (ρ=0.025) with nutritional status (H/A) of children aged 6-59 months, while characteristics such as birth length, family size and mother’s knowledge were not related with nutritional status. Conclusions: Nutritional status of children aged 6-59 months was influenced by birth weight. Babies with low birth weight (LBW) has a risk of stunting than those with normal weight.