Di Bawah Garis Merah: Determinan Kejadian BGM pada Balita di Puskesmas Batang Lupar

Abstract

Under-five children below the red line (BGM) represent an early warning sign of growth faltering that requires timely detection and intervention. Maternal nutrition knowledge, household economic status, and feeding frequency are assumed to contribute to BGM among children under five. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between maternal nutrition knowledge, income level, feeding frequency, and BGM among under-five children at Batang Lupar Public Health Center in 2023. This was an analytic survey with a cross-sectional approach. The sample consisted of 30 eligible under-five children. Data on maternal nutrition knowledge, income level, and feeding frequency were collected using questionnaires, while BGM status was obtained from growth monitoring cards and health center documentation. Data were analyzed using univariate analysis and chi-square test with a significance level of 0.05. The results showed that 17 children (56.7%) experienced BGM. Most mothers had poor nutrition knowledge (50.0%), low household income (53.3%), and children with feeding frequency of less than three times per day (60.0%). Bivariate analysis showed that maternal nutrition knowledge (p=0.036) and income level (p=0.050) were associated with BGM. Feeding frequency showed a tendency toward association but was not statistically significant at the 0.05 level (p=0.060). This study concludes that strengthening maternal nutrition education and supporting household food fulfillment should be prioritized to prevent BGM among under-five children.