Journal of Rural Community Nursing Practice
Vol. 3 No. 2 (2025): September

Impacts of Aquaponics Gardening on Weight Management of Undernourished Children

Cruz, Mikylla Lorraine (Unknown)
De Jesus, Regie P. (Unknown)
Arcojo, Airone A. (Unknown)
Hernandez, Jack Ivan A. (Unknown)
Yanson, Peterson J. (Unknown)
Siosana, Luther S. (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
25 Sep 2025

Abstract

Background: Malnutrition remains a major concern among children in disadvantaged communities in the Philippines. This study examined the effectiveness of aquaponics gardening in supporting weight management and promoting healthy eating among undernourished children. Methods: A quasi-experimental pre-test–post-test design was implemented with 30 children aged 6–12 years in Bocaue, Bulacan, identified as undernourished (BMI-for-age < 5th percentile). Over eight weeks, subjects engaged in aquaponics gardening, nutrition education, and meal preparation using harvested produce. Data were gathered through BMI measurements, a validated Likert-scale survey, and 24-hour dietary recalls. Paired t-tests evaluated pre- and post-intervention changes. Results: Significant improvements were observed in weight (23.4 kg to 25.1 kg) and BMI (13.5 to 14.3) (p < 0.001). Subjects also demonstrated greater nutritional knowledge, more positive perceptions of vegetables, and healthier eating behaviors, including increased vegetable intake. Conclusion: Aquaponics gardening is a feasible, sustainable approach to improving child nutrition and dietary habits. Its hands-on design fosters learning and self-efficacy, supporting long-term food security and health promotion in low-resource communities.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

JRCNP

Publisher

Subject

Health Professions Immunology & microbiology Medicine & Pharmacology Nursing Public Health Social Sciences

Description

Journal of Rural Community Nursing Practice (JRCNP) is a scientific journal managed by the Community, Family & Elderly Health Studies with Evidence Based Science Indonesia (EBSINA) in collaboration with the professional organization Indonesian Community Health Nurses Association (IPKKI) East Java ...