Child and Family Factors as Predictors of Nutritional Status in Elementary School Students Wahyu Vera Wardani (a*), Dyah Umiyarni Purnamasari (b), Atikah Proverawati (c)
Universitas Jenderal Soedirman
Abstract
The nutritional status of elementary school students is influenced by various child and family factors. This study aimed to analyze predictors of nutritional status among school-aged students in Kedungbanteng District, Banyumas Regency. This study was conducted on 95 students in grades 4 and 5 (aged 9-12 years) from two elementary schools. The collected data comprised child characteristics (age, sex, nutritional status) and parental characteristics (education, occupation, and household income). Anthropometric measurements were taken using a digital weighing scale and microtoise. Nutritional status was determined based on Body Mass Index-for-Age (BMI/A) using Z-scores. Data were analyzed using multiple dummy variable regression with the backward method. The results showed that age, sex, and household income were significant predictors of students^ nutritional status. Age was positively associated with BMI/A, indicating that older students tended to have better nutritional status. Sex had a negative effect, with girls more likely to have lower BMI/A compared to boys. Household income showed a positive association, with students from higher-income families more likely to achieve adequate nutritional intake. In contrast, parental education and occupation were not significant predictors in the final model. This study emphasizes the importance of considering sociodemographic factors, particularly household income, in designing nutritional intervention programs for elementary school students.
Keywords: Nutritional status- Elementary school students- Age- Sex- Household income
Topic: Nutrition Science and Functional Food Development
