Differences In Energy Intake, Macronutrient Intake, Feeding Practices, And Maternal Nutritional Knowledge Between Underweight And Normal Toddlers Aged 2-5 Years In Bulak Banteng Village, Kenjeran District, Surabaya City

Abstract

Toddlers are a population group undergoing rapid growth and development, requiring adequate and balanced nutritional intake. Nutritional problems such as underweight remain a concern because they may potentially affect physical growth, cognitive development, and children's health in the future. This study aimed to determine whether there were differences in energy intake, macronutrient intake, feeding practices, and maternal nutrition knowledge between underweight and normal-weight toddlers aged 2–5 years in Bulak Banteng Village, Kenjeran District, Surabaya City.This study employed a quantitative method with a case-control approach. The sample consisted of 62 respondents, including 31 cases and 31 controls. Data were collected using a 24-Hour Food Recall questionnaire, the Child Feeding Questionnaire, and a nutrition knowledge test. The analysis results showed significant differences in energy intake (p=0.000), carbohydrate intake (p=0.000), protein intake (p=0.000), fat intake (p=0.000), feeding practices (p=0.000), and maternal nutrition knowledge (p=0.008) between underweight and normal-weight toddlers. The study concluded that there were differences in energy intake, macronutrient intake, feeding practices, and maternal nutrition knowledge between underweight and normal-weight toddlers aged 2–5 years in Bulak Banteng Village, Kenjeran District, Surabaya City. Therefore, community health centers and mothers of toddlers are expected to pay greater attention to adequate nutritional intake, appropriate feeding practices, and nutrition education to prevent underweight among toddlers.