The Relationship Between Frequency Of Food Consumption And The Aggregate Nutritional Status Of Toddlers In Rw 10, Kelurahan X, West Jakarta

Abstract

Background: Nutritional status among toddlers is an important indicator in determining child growth and development. The frequency of nutritious food consumption plays a significant role in meeting toddlers’ daily energy and nutrient requirements, thereby influencing their nutritional status. In RW 10, Subdistrict, West Jakarta, information regarding the relationship between food consumption frequency and aggregate nutritional status among toddlers remains limited.Objective: This study aimed to determine the relationship between food consumption frequency and the aggregate nutritional status of toddlers in RW 10, Subdistrict X, West Jakarta.Methods: This study employed a quantitative cross-sectional design with a sample of 85 toddlers. Data on food consumption frequency were collected using a semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) administered to mothers of toddlers. Aggregate nutritional status was measured using weight-for-age z-scores based on WHO standards. The relationship between food consumption frequency and nutritional status was analyzed using the chi-square statistical test with a significance level of 0.05.Results: The majority of toddlers (80 toddlers, 94.2%) had a high frequency of food consumption (≥ 7 times/week). Among this group, 78 toddlers had good nutritional status and 2 toddlers were classified as undernourished; no cases of severe malnutrition were identified. All toddlers in the low-consumption group (< 7 times/week) had good nutritional status. Statistical analysis showed a p-value of 0.001, indicating a significant relationship between food consumption frequency and aggregate nutritional status among toddlers. Conclusion: The more frequently toddlers consume nutritious foods, the greater the likelihood that they will have good nutritional status. These findings highlight the importance of nutrition education, dietary monitoring, and nutrition intervention programs at both the household and healthcare facility levels.