SAINS MEDIKA : JURNAL KEDOKTERAN DAN KESEHATAN
Vol 15, No 2 (2024): December 2024

Locally sourced supplementary feeding programs as a strategic intervention to address weight faltering in children: insights from a primary health center study

Haryani, Deby Aprilia (Unknown)
Amanda, Qorry (Unknown)
Sabjan, Novita (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
08 Dec 2024

Abstract

Pemberian Makanan Tambahan (PMT), a supplementary food program using local ingredients, is a targeted intervention to address toddler malnutrition and weight faltering in Indonesia. Despite its widespread implementation, the long-term efficacy of the 14-day PMT program in sustaining growth recovery remains to be determined. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a 14-day PMT intervention on weight gain and growth stability in children aged 6–59 months experiencing weight faltering. A prospective cohort study was conducted from May to August 2024 at Primary Health Center (Puskesmas) Ajibarang 1 in Banyumas, Central Java, Indonesia. The intervention consisted of 11 snacks and 3 main meals to meet 30–50% of daily caloric needs. Anthropometric measurements, including body weight (BW) and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), were collected pre- and post-intervention. 120 children participated, with baseline averages of 11.2 ± 1.5 kg for BW and 13.4 ± 1.7 cm for MUAC. Significant improvements were observed post-intervention, with averages of 12.9 ± 1.2 kg (BW) and 15.0 ± 1.4 cm (MUAC). A moderate positive correlation was identified between BW gain and MUAC (Spearman analysis). In conclusion, the PMT program effectively improves BW and MUAC in children at risk of growth faltering, highlighting its potential as a scalable intervention. These findings emphasize the importance of tailored nutritional programs during early childhood, a critical period for ensuring long-term health and developmental benefits. Advocacy and policy reforms are essential to support consistent implementation and global accessibility of nutritional interventions.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

sainsmedika

Publisher

Subject

Health Professions Medicine & Pharmacology

Description

Sains Medika is journal of medicine and health, is a peer-reviewed and open access journal that focuses on promoting medical sciences generated from Biomedical Sciences, Public Health, Clinical Sciences, and Medical Education to integrate researches in all aspects of human health. This journal ...