The effect of Clarias cookies on the growth and development of wasting children

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of Clarias cookies on the growth and development of wasting children. This study was conducted in the Taman Bacaan Palembang Health Center's working area. A quasi-experimental design was used, with a sample of 120 toddlers divided into the control (60) and treatment (60) groups. Toddlers in the treatment group were given Clarias cookies weighing 45 g/day, while those in the control group were given 45 g/day of cookies distributed by the government every day for three months. The body weight was measured monthly. Anthropometric data were collected by nutritionists who had been trained to use anthropometric tools. All collected data were recorded using a questionnaire. There was no significant difference in the samples between the control and intervention groups (P > 0.005). The sample can be categorized into the same group for each variable. This did not introduce bias in the results of the bivariate analysis. After receiving the Clarias cookies, the weight of the children in the treatment group increased significantly (p = 0.000) compared to that in the control group. The kids in the treatment group gained 2.21 pounds more than those in the control group, which gained just 0.28 pounds. To improve the nutrition of malnourished toddlers, it would be better to provide Clarias cookies rather than biscuits from the government.