The Elementary School Nutrition Status in Silian Raya, District Southeast Minahasa, Indonesia

Abstract

Background: Nutrition has a big impact on the development and quality of children’s life. The socio-economic status of the family and the role of parents are important regarding children’s nutrition.

Purpose: To describe the nutritional status of elementary school children in Silian Raya District, Minahasa Tenggara District, North Sulawesi Province.

Methods: This study was a descriptive study with a cross-sectional approach in all elementary schools in Silian Raya District, Southeast Minahasa Regency, North Sulawesi Province. Data was collected using questionnaires on body measurements. The collected data was then processed using Microsoft Excel 2016 software and SPSS 25.

Results: Of 217 children, 0.92% were very underweight, 3.23% were underweight, 79.26% were normal, 11.06% were overweight, and 5.53% were obese. The results were measured based on the indicators of nutritional status and body mass index according to age. Based on the indicator of height according to age, 3.69% children have a very short stature, 13.82% have a short stature, and 82.49% have a normal stature.

Conclusion: The nutritional status of elementary school children in Silian Raya District, Southeast Minahasa Regency, North Sulawesi Province is not influenced by the socio-economic status and occupation of their parents.