Hubungan Pengetahuan Ibu Dan Pemberian Mp-Asi Dengan Status Gizi Pada Anak

The Relationship Between Maternal Knowledge and Complementary Feeding Practices with Nutritional Status Among Children

Abstract

Introduction: Nutritional status is an important indicator of child growth and development. The first two years of life represent a critical period because inadequate nutritional intake can lead to growth disturbances and developmental problems. Complementary feeding (MP-ASI) after six months of age is an essential process to fulfill children's nutritional needs. Maternal knowledge plays an important role in determining appropriate complementary feeding practices, which may influence children's nutritional status. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the relationship between maternal knowledge and complementary feeding practices with nutritional status among children. Methods: This study used a quantitative analytical design with a cross-sectional approach conducted in 2024. The study involved 120 mothers with children aged 6–59 months selected using purposive sampling. Data collection was conducted using questionnaires assessing maternal knowledge regarding complementary feeding and MP-ASI practices. Children’s nutritional status was assessed through anthropometric measurements based on weight-for-age, height-for-age, and weight-for-height indicators. Data were analyzed using Chi-Square test and logistic regression analysis. Results: The results showed that 65.8% of mothers had good knowledge regarding complementary feeding, 70.0% provided appropriate complementary feeding, and 69.2% of children had normal nutritional status. Statistical analysis showed a significant relationship between maternal knowledge and children's nutritional status (p=0.002). Complementary feeding practices were also significantly associated with children's nutritional status (p=0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that appropriate complementary feeding practices were the dominant factor affecting children's nutritional status (OR=4.87). Conclusion: Maternal knowledge and appropriate complementary feeding practices are associated with children's nutritional status. Improving maternal knowledge through continuous nutrition education and strengthening appropriate feeding practices are needed to support optimal child growth.