Energy Deficiency and Protein Intake Related to Stunting and Motor Development in Children Aged Under 5 Years: Cross-Sectional Study in Kaway XVI, Aceh Barat District
Suryana(a*), Fitria Nur(a), Yulia Fitri(a), Silvia Wagustina(a), Andi Eka Yunianto(b)

a)Department of Nutrition, Aceh Health Polytechnic, Aceh, Indonesia
b)Departement of Nutrition, Siliwangi University, Tasikmalaya, Indonesia

Abstract

Background: Food consumption is an important factor that can affect the nutritional status and development of children. The quality of children can be reflected in their nutritional status and development.

Method: This study used a cross-sectional design, with a total sample of 81 people. Samples were toddlers aged 24-59 months, selected by using the technique of random sampling. The study was conducted in Kaway XVI District, West Aceh Regency. Chi-square test was used to analyze the relationship of energy and protein intake to the incidence of stunting and child development.

Results: Children under five with a prevalence of stunting 49.4%, fine motor development doubted 55.6%, gross motor development doubted as much as 17.3%. Children who were stunting tend to have energy intake in the category of severe deficits (83.3%), compared to children who were not stunting (80.0%). Children who were stunting tend to have a heavy protein deficit intake (88.9%), compared to children who were not stunting tend to have a mild protein deficit intake (66.7%). There was a significant relationship between energy intake (p-value = 0.002) and protein (p-value = 0.003) to the incidence of stunting. There was an influence of energy intake (p-value = 0.000), but it did not affect the intake of protein (p-value = 0.922) on the motor development of toddlers.

Conclusion: Energy and protein intake influence the incidence of stunting in children under five in Kaway XVI District, West Aceh Regency. Energy intake affects the motor development of children but does not affect protein intake. The government is expected to design appropriate policies to improve the nutritional status and quality of children.

Keywords: Energy, protein, stunting, motor development, children

Topic: Nutrition and Functional Food