Zinc and probiotic supplementation: effect on the frequency and duration of acute diarrhea in children under five

Herlinda Christi (Herlinda Christi Department of Nutrition Science, Nutrition Science Masters Study Program, Faculty of Medicine, Diponegoro University Semarang Prof. Mr. Sunario Diponegoro University Tembalang Campus, Semarang, Postal Code 50275 Phone/Fax (024) 769)
Kusmiyati Tjahjono (lecturer in Department of Nutrition Science, Nutrition Science Masters Study Program, Faculty of Medicine, Diponegoro University Semarang)
Ahmad Syauqy (lecturer in Department of Nutrition Science, Nutrition Science Masters Study Program, Faculty of Medicine, Diponegoro University Semarang)

Jurnal Aisyah : Jurnal Ilmu Kesehatan
Vol 8, No 2: June 2023

Introduction: Diarrhea can be prevented and treated with simple and affordable interventions. The government has also implemented this strategy to prevent and control diarrhea. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended evidence-based, cost- effective strategies to reduce the burden of diarrheal disease. Those strategies include oral rehydration solutions (ORS), zinc supplementation, and a nutritious diet. Proper implementation of diarrhea management guidelines improves child survival. Zinc supplementation at the right dose can reduce the intensity of subsequent diarrhea. Several specific strains of probiotics, such as Lactobacillus GG, L. Reuteri, Saccharomyces boulardii, and Bifidobacteria species, have been proven to significantly play an important role in overcoming the problem of acute diarrhea in children, especially reducing the duration and severity of diarrhea. Objective: Examine the effect of zinc and probiotic supplementation on reducing the frequency and duration of acute diarrhea in children under five (7-59 months) in the working area of Puskesmas Tlogowungu, Pati Regency. Materials and Methods: This study was experimental research with a double-blind randomized controlled trial (RCT) design with a control group. The study sample was divided into three groups regarding the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: The average length of acute diarrhea in children under five before supplementation was 1.28 days (30.85 hours). After the administration of the supplement, it became 1.51 days (36.34 hours, SD ± 0.818, 95% CI =1.23–1, 80). Based on the statistical test table, Asymp.Sig. (2-tailed) = 0.035 and 0.027 or p-value less than 0.05, meaning that there was a significant effect of zinc and probiotic supplementation on a decrease in the frequency and duration of acute diarrhea in children under five, in the working area of Puskesmas Tlogowungu, Pati Regency. Conclusion: There is a significant effect of zinc and probiotic supplementation on a decrease in the frequency and duration of acute diarrhea in children under five in the working area of Puskesmas Tlogowungu, Pati Regency, from September to October 2022.