JAND: Journal of Applied Nutrition and Dietetic

The Effect of Counseling Using Pop-Up Book Media on Mothers' Knowledge and Attitudes in Fulfilling Nutrition for Children Aged 1-3 Years in the Working Area of the Juli II Health Center, Bireuen District

Naifa Naja Nisrina — 2025-06-24

According to Indonesia's SSGI 2022 data, 17.1% of underweight toddlers, particularly in developing countries, suffer mortality related to inadequate dietary intake. Juli II Health Center in Bireuen District reports a 10.0% prevalence of undernutrition among its target of 1,450 toddlers, consisting of 6.6% underweight and 3.4% wasting. Maternal knowledge and attitudes significantly impact child nutritional health and are critical targets for educational intervention. This study aimed to assess the effect of counseling using pop-up book media on mothers’ knowledge and attitudes regarding nutrition for children aged 1–3 years. This quasi-experimental study employed a one-group pretest-posttest design with a non-probability quota sampling method, involving 30 mothers. Data were collected using structured pretest and posttest questionnaires and analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The results showed that the average maternal knowledge score increased from 8.27 (SD=3.657) to 13.37 (SD=1.189), and the average attitude score rose from 43.63 (SD=3.296) to 55.00 (SD=3.904). Statistical analysis indicated significant differences before and after intervention (p=0.000). The study concludes that pop-up book media effectively improve maternal knowledge and attitudes related to fulfilling nutritional needs for toddlers.

Effect of giving young coconut water and isotonic drinks on the recovery of dehydration status after training in pencak silat athletes

Samuel Samuel — 2025-06-24

This study evaluates the effectiveness of different types of post-exercise drinks on rehydration in pencak silat athletes. Prolonged exercise in hot environments leads to physiological changes due to depleted glycogen stores and fluid-electrolyte loss through sweat. The aim of this study was to analyze the average difference between the effects of young coconut water (Cocos nucifera) and commercial isotonic drinks on the rehydration process. This experimental research involved dividing subjects into two treatment groups: Group 1 received young coconut water, while Group 2 received a commercially available isotonic drink. Dehydration status was assessed through measurements of body weight, urine pH, and urine specific gravity. Paired t-tests were used to analyze within-group differences before and after treatment, while unpaired t-tests compared differences between groups. The average fluid intake for rehydration was 1062.5 ml. Fluid administration had a significant effect on dehydration status (p < 0.05). A significant increase in urine pH was observed: 1.63 for coconut water and 0.97 for isotonic drinks. These results indicate a difference in the effectiveness of coconut water and isotonic drinks on hydration recovery.

Nutritional Development and Sensory Evaluation of Pumpkin and Corn Grits for Pregnant Women

Sarah Zatira — 2025-06-24

The incidence of chronic energy deficiency (CED) in pregnant women remains high. One of the interventions is the utilization of local supplementary foods, though options such as pumpkin and corn remain limited. Purpose: This study aimed to determine the effect of adding pumpkin to the acceptability and proximate composition of pumpkin-corn grits. This was an experimental study using a completely randomized design (CRD) with 3 treatments and 3 replications. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Duncan’s multiple range test. The addition of 40g, 50g, and 60g of pumpkin significantly affected organoleptic properties, particularly taste (p < 0.05), with average panelist scores ranging from 3.13 to 3.68 (liked category). No significant differences were found in color, aroma, or texture. The highest values for water, ash, and protein content were observed in the F3 treatment (60g pumpkin), while the highest fat, fiber, and carbohydrate contents were found in F1 (40g pumpkin). The acceptability test showed significant differences in color, taste, aroma, and texture for the F3 formula (p < 0.05). The addition of pumpkin significantly improved taste and affected proximate values for ash, fat, and protein. Local governments and health programs may consider using pumpkin-corn grits as an alternative supplementary food for pregnant women.

The Correlation Between Menstrual Cycle with Anemia Among Female Adolescents at SMA Negeri 1 Meukek, South Aceh

Yaumul Nuzullifa — 2025-06-24

Anemia is a condition characterized by a reduction in the number or size of red blood cells or a decrease in hemoglobin (Hb) concentration below normal levels. The menstrual cycle is measured by the interval between the first day of one menstruation and the first day of the next. Body Mass Index (BMI) is an anthropometric indicator used to assess nutritional status, particularly in individuals over the age of 18.This study aimed to examine the correlation between menstrual cycle patterns and Body Mass Index (BMI) with the incidence of anemia among female adolescents at SMA Negeri 1 Meukek, South Aceh. This was an analytical survey study with a cross-sectional design. A total of 113 students from SMA Negeri 1 Meukek served as the population, and 53 students were selected as the sample using the Slovin formula and random sampling. Data were collected using a questionnaire, a microtoise for height measurement, a digital scale for weight, and the Easy Touch GCHb 3-in-1 device to measure hemoglobin levels. Bivariate analysis was conducted to assess associations. The analysis showed no significant correlation between BMI and the incidence of anemia (p = 0.213 > α = 0.05), indicating that BMI is not associated with anemia in this population. However, a significant correlation was found between menstrual cycle irregularities and anemia (p = 0.004 < α = 0.05). Based on these findings, it is recommended that schools and health authorities increase awareness and education on menstrual health and anemia prevention among adolescent girls.

An Analysis of Food Security Indicators and Stunting in Bengkulu Province, 2021–2023

Aulivia Ahma Rizky — 2025-06-24

Stunting remains a significant public health concern in Bengkulu Province. According to the 2023 Indonesian Health Survey (IHS), the prevalence of stunting in Bengkulu reached 20.2%. This study analyzes the relationship between stunting and food security indicators using secondary data from the Bengkulu Central Statistics Agency and the National Food Agency from 2021 to 2023, comprising 30 samples. The analysis showed no statistically significant relationship between stunting and any of the independent variables at the 95% confidence level. The p-values for all variables—including the Food Security Index (FSI), Nutritional Consumption Pattern Ratio (NCPR), poverty rate, food and electricity expenditures, access to clean water, average years of schooling, health worker ratio, life expectancy (AHP), Desirable Dietary Pattern (DDP), Energy Adequacy Ratio (EAR), and Protein Adequacy Ratio (PAR)—were above 0.05. These findings suggest that none of the examined indicators had a significant effect on stunting in Bengkulu Province during the study period.

Effect of Adding Moringa Leaf Flour on the Sensory Acceptance of Moringa Biscuits

Anita Meliana — 2025-06-24

The Recovery Food Supplement (PMT) program is a government initiative aimed at improving the nutritional status of toddlers by providing food supplements in addition to their daily intake, particularly for undernourished children. One form of PMT is the toddler biscuit, formulated to contain a minimum of 160 kcal, 3.2–4.8 g of protein, and 4–7.2 g of fat per 40 g serving. According to technical guidelines, PMT targets children aged 6–59 months who are categorized as underweight (weight-for-height < –2 SD) and is administered for 90 days. To determine the effect of adding Moringa leaf flour on the acceptability of Moringa-based biscuit snacks. This study employed a non-factorial Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three treatments: Y1 (40 g cornstarch + 10 g Moringa leaf flour), Y2 (40 g cornstarch + 15 g Moringa leaf flour), and Y3 (40 g cornstarch + 25 g Moringa leaf flour). Organoleptic tests assessed color, taste, aroma, and texture parameters. Data were analyzed using ANOVA. ANOVA results showed no significant effect on color (p = 0.216), aroma (p = 0.753), or texture (p = 0.877). However, a significant difference was found in the taste parameter (p = 0.034), indicating that the addition of Moringa leaf flour influenced the flavor of the biscuits. The addition of Moringa leaf flour significantly affected the taste of Moringa biscuit snacks but had no significant effect on color, aroma, or texture. Future research should consider using a standardized baking temperature across all treatments and explore higher concentrations of Moringa leaf flour to enhance the nutritional content of the product.

The Effect of Moringa (Moringa oleifera) Leaf Juice on Blood Sugar Levels in Type II Diabetes Mellitus Outpatients at Babah Buloh Public Health Center, North Aceh District

Nabila Zuhra — 2025-06-24

Diabetes mellitus is characterized by elevated blood glucose levels that exceed the normal range. In addition to pharmacological treatment, blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes can also be managed using herbal therapies. One such alternative is Moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaf juice, which contains various bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, beta-carotene, thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin C, calcium, and zinc—many of which possess antidiabetic properties and are believed to be effective in lowering blood glucose levels. This study aimed to determine the effect of Moringa leaf juice on blood sugar levels among type II diabetes mellitus outpatients in the working area of Babah Buloh Public Health Center, North Aceh District. A quasi-experimental study was conducted using a pretest–posttest control group design from December 7 to 14, 2024. The intervention lasted for seven consecutive days, during which blood glucose levels were measured using the Easy Touch glucometer. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests and independent t-tests. The results showed that in the intervention group, the average blood sugar level decreased from 182.1 mg/dL to 166.3 mg/dL, with a mean reduction of 15.7 mg/dL. In the control group, levels decreased from 177.8 mg/dL to 170.5 mg/dL, with a mean reduction of 6.7 mg/dL. These findings indicate that Moringa leaf juice had a significant effect on reducing blood sugar levels in type II diabetes mellitus patients in the Babah Buloh Health Center working area in 2024. It is recommended that Moringa leaf juice be considered as a complementary therapy for managing blood glucose levels in diabetic patients.

Effect of Pumpkin Cream Soup on Blood Glucose in Type 2 Diabetes Outpatients in North Aceh

Riski Amelia — 2025-06-24

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia). One innovative dietary approach to help manage hyperglycemia is the consumption of pumpkin cream soup. Pumpkin is rich in beta-carotene, flavonoids, vitamin C, and soluble fiber such as pectin, and also contains various bioactive compounds including proteins, peptides, polysaccharides, sterols, and para-aminobenzoic acid. This study aimed to determine the effect of pumpkin cream soup on blood sugar levels in type II diabetes mellitus outpatients at the UPTD Muara Batu Health Center, North Aceh Regency. A quasi-experimental design with a one-group pretest-posttest approach was employed. The intervention was conducted over seven consecutive days, which participants consumed pumpkin cream soup daily. Blood glucose levels were measured using the Easy Touch glucometer before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using the paired sample t-test. The results showed that the average fasting blood glucose level decreased from 189.65 mg/dL before the intervention to 167.00 mg/dL after, with an average reduction of 22.65 mg/dL. The findings indicate a significant effect of pumpkin cream soup consumption in lowering blood sugar levels among type II diabetes mellitus patients. Therefore, pumpkin cream soup may be recommended as a dietary alternative to help manage blood glucose levels in individuals with type II diabetes mellitus.