Vol 6, No 1 (2026)

Obesity among older adults is a growing public health concern associated with an increased risk of non-communicable diseases, particularly due to low nutritional knowledge and nutritional literacy as well as unhealthy lifestyle behaviors. This study aimed to determine the effect of nutrition education leaflets related to obesity on the level of nutritional knowledge and nutritional literacy among older adults at Posbindu Teluk Jambe, Karawang Regency. This research employed a quantitative approach with a pre-experimental one-group pretest–posttest design. The sample consisted of 31 older adults selected using total sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered before and after the intervention. The intervention involved the distribution of nutrition education leaflets containing information on obesity, risk factors, health impacts, balanced nutrition, and physical activity recommendations. Data were analyzed using univariate analysis and the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test due to non-normal data distribution. The pre-test results showed a mean knowledge score of 3.81 ± 1.642 with a median of 4.00 and a score range of 1–7. After the intervention, the post-test mean score increased to 6.00 ± 1.065 with a median of 6.00 and a score range of 4–8. The Wilcoxon test showed Z = -3.771 with Asymp. Sig. (2-tailed) = 0.000 (p<0.05), indicating a significant difference between knowledge scores before and after the leaflet intervention. These findings demonstrate that nutrition education leaflets are effective in improving nutritional knowledge and supporting nutritional literacy among older adults.

Key word: Older adults, obesity, nutritional literacy, nutrition education, leaflet.

Adolescence is a period of rapid growth and development that requires optimal nutritional needs and physical activity. Adolescent girls are more susceptible to nutritional problems due to increased nutrient needs and a tendency to restrict food consumption, especially in boarding school environments with structured living systems. This study aims to determine the relationship between food consumption patterns and physical activity with the nutritional status of female students at Nuraida Islamic Boarding School, Bogor City. This study used an observational analytical design with a cross-sectional approach. The study subjects were 73 high school female students selected using a purposive sampling technique. Data on food consumption patterns were collected through food weighing and food records for 2x24 hours, while physical activity was measured using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A). Data processing involved editing, coding, data entry, and data cleaning. Relationship analysis was performed using the Spearman Rank test. The results showed that the majority of female students had good nutritional status (67.1%). Food consumption patterns based on type and frequency were classified as adequate, as indicated by consumption of more than four food groups on the first day (65.8%) and the second day (79.5%), as well as sufficient meal frequency on the first day (28.4%) and the second day (73.0%). However, the adequacy of energy and macro and micronutrients was still largely below the required levels. Physical activity was mostly classified as light (86.3%). There was no significant relationship between meal type and frequency with nutritional status, while physical activity did not show a significant relationship with nutritional status.

This study aimed to examine the correlation between the frequency of ultra-processed food (UPF) intake, blood pressure, and physical activity in outpatients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) at RSAU dr. M. Salamun. A cross-sectional research design was employed. The study population comprised outpatients attending the Interne Polyclinic at RSAU dr. M. Salamun, and a total of 50 participants were selected using a total sampling technique. Data analysis was conducted using the Shapiro-Wilk test for normality and the Spearman Rho test for correlation. The results indicated a significant correlation between blood pressure and physical activity with fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that elevated blood pressure and low levels of physical activity negatively impact glycemic control. Therefore, lifestyle interventions focusing on blood pressure management and increased physical activity may contribute to improved blood glucose regulation in individuals with T2DM.

Anemia is a common complication in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing
hemodialysis. Anemia in CKD is multifactorial, including impaired erythropoiesis, iron deficiency, and
chronic eammation. Adequate nutrient intake plays an essential role in hemoglobin synthesis, anemia
management, and improving patient’s quality of life. This study aimed to determine the association
between protein, iron, folate, and vitamin C intakes with hemoglobin levels in CKD patients undergoing
hemodialysis at Haji Regional Public Hospital, East Java Province. This study used quantitative with
cross-sectional design. Purposive sampling was applied, involving 54 respondents who met the inclusion
criteria. Data on protein, iron, folate, and vitamin C intakes were collected through direct interviews
using semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire on previous month, while hemoglobin data were
obtained from the most recent labolatory recods. Bivariate analysis used the Pearson Corelation test for
protein intake and Hb level, while the Spearman test for iron, folate, and vitamin C intakes and Hb level.
The results showed that protein intake was significantly associated with hemoglobin level (p=<0.001),
with a moderate positive correlation (r=0.45). In contrast, iron, folate, and vitamin C intake were not
significantly associated with hemoglobin level (p>0.05). Adequate protein intake, [articularly high
biological value anemial protein, is required to compenste for protein losses following dialysis.
Personalized protein management based on urea burden, metabolic acidosis, phosphorus status, and
comorbidities may support improvements in hemoglobin level without exacerbating renal metabolic
burden.

Obesity is one of nutritional problem in adolescents. obesity among adolescents may be associated with the selection of snacks that are high in caloric density. he utilization of local food ingredients, such as red bean flour and porang flour, in the development of snack bars has the potential to provide a healthy alternative snack that supports adolescents’ nutritional needs. The purpose of this study was to develop a snack bar formulated from red bean flour and porang flour as the primary ingredients. The research was conducted on 3 snack bar formulations with varying compositions of red bean flour and porang flour, F1 (95:5), F2 (96:4), and F3 (97:3). Organoleptic and hedonic quality tests were assessed to determine the level of panelists' preference. Testing was conducted on 26 semi-trained panelists. The collected data were analyzed using One-Way ANOVA and Duncan Test for significant results (p<0.05). The results of organoleptic tests on color, aroma, texture, taste and overall the most preferred red bean - porang snack bar were F2 with a color preference value of 4.23, aroma 4.46, texture 3.92, taste 4.26, and overall 4.50. Meanwhile, the hedonic quality test on taste showed no statistical difference (p = 0.920), but the hedonic quality test on texture showed a significant difference (p=0.002). Organoleptic evaluation and acceptability of the red bean-porang snack bar reported that the best formulation was F2, with a proportion of 96g red bean flour and 4g porang flour. This was indicated by the highest scores for each organoleptic aspect.

Work fatigue is a critical issue that can reduce productivity, increase the risk of occupational accidents, and negatively affect workers’ health, particularly among shift workers. Work fatigue is influenced by various factors, including inadequate nutritional status and nutrient intake. Security personnel are a vulnerable occupational group due to high alertness demands and circadian rhythm disruption caused by shift work systems. This quantitative study employed a cross-sectional design and involved the total population of security personnel working morning, afternoon, and night shifts (24 respondents per shift) at State University of Surabaya. Data collection instrument using the Industrial Fatigue Research Committee questionnaire, 2×24-hour food recall, microtoice, and a digital scale. The results showed significant associations between carbohydrate intake (p = 0.004; r = 0.334) and protein intake (p = 0.003; r = 0.346) with work fatigue levels, while energy intake, fat intake and nutritional status was not significantly associated with work fatigue among shift security personnel at State University of Surabaya. The findings of persistently deficient dietary intake, overweight nutritional status, and high levels of work fatigue particularly among night shift workers highlights the need for regular health monitoring of workers by the outsourcing company.

The development of probiotic beverage innovation is now growing. Probiotic products are in demand by the public because of their benefits in maintaining digestive track Health. One drink that has potential to be a probiotic drink is tepache,  a fermented drink made from pineapple skin dissolved in a sugar solution. The fermentation process that occurs produces lactic acid bacteria that have potential to be probiotics. In this study, an experimental design was used where tepache drinks were made with six different formulas, where the differences are found in the types of sugar, namely palm sugar and granulated sugar, and the amount of sugar added: F1 (16%), F2 (22%) anf F3 (27%) is the same for added brown sugar in F4, F5, F6. Identification of bacteria was carried out by growing on PCA (Plate Count Agar) media to determine the Total Colony Count and MRSA (de Mann Rogosa Agar) media to grow lactic acid bacteria in this case selectively in the grow of lactobacillus. From the results of observations for 3 days, showed that bacteria grew on PCA media at a dilution 10^-4, 10^-5, and 10^-6 and on MRSA media grew at a dilution of 10^-4. From the pH measurements, the results obtained for all formulas were pH 4 and brix degress 60. Organoleptic test showed that this tepache drink was liked by panelists, data taken from 20 panelist because its refreshing, sour taste and fruity aroma.The study concluded that tepache has the potential to be a probiotics beverage, as the bacteria found to grow were lactic acid bacteria with pH that matches the probiotic drink and was preffered by panelists

The acceptability of hospital food is reflected by the amount of food waste. Food waste represents the percentage of food that remains uneaten during one or more mealtimes. The amount of food waste can be influenced by food appearance, taste, and the timeliness of service. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between food appearance, taste, and timeliness of service with patient food waste at Dr. Abdoer Rahem Regional Hospital, Situbondo. This research employed an observational analytic design with a cross-sectional approach. A total of 50 respondents were selected using purposive sampling. The instruments used in this study included a food appearance assessment questionnaire, a food taste assessment questionnaire, a serving timeliness questionnaire, and a Comstock form. Data analysis was conducted using Fisher’s exact test with SPSS version 25. The results showed p = 0.00 for food appearance, p = 0.04 for food taste, and p = 1.00 for timeliness of service. It can be concluded that there is a significant relationship among food appearance, food taste, and food waste. At the same time, there is no significant relationship between serving timeliness and food waste. Efforts are needed to improve the taste and appearance of hospital food to reduce the high level of patient food waste.

Keywords: food appearance, food waste, serving timeliness, taste

Abstract : Proper nutritional intake is a key factor in supporting optimal athletic performance during competition . Bananas are a natural source of energy that can help improve endurance due to their carbohydrates content and essential nutrients such as potassium . Potassium plays an important role in carbohydrates metabolism , including the formation and storage of glycogen and glucose as energy sources , thereby helping to maintain muscle function . This study aimed to determine the effect of Ambon banana consumption on improving VO₂ Max. Methods : This study employed a quasi-experimental method with a quantitative approach using a one-goup pretest-posttest design . A total of 37 participants were given an intervention in the form of 150 gams of whole Ambon banana daily for 7 days . Results : The results showed that the mean VO₂ Max value increased from 36,360 before the intervention to 39,570 after the intervention . Statistical analysis indicated a significant effect of Ambon banana consumption on improving VO₂ Max (p < 0.05). Conclusion : The consumption of Ambon bananas has a significant effect on Improving VO₂ Max in Futsal players .

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui faktor-faktor yang berhubungan dengan status gizi kurang pada remaja usia 13-15 tahun di SMPN 13 Kota Depok. Penelitian ini bersifat analitik dengan metode cross-sectional yang menggunakan data sekunder dari hasil penelitian terdahulu. Data yang dianalisis meliputi tingkat pengetahuan gizi serta asupan protein, lemak, dan karbohidrat. Analisis dilakukan untuk mengetahui hubungan antara variabel-variabel tersebut dengan kejadian gizi kurang pada remaja. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa tidak terdapat hubungan yang signifikan antara pengetahuan gizi dengan status gizi kurang, serta tidak terdapat hubungan yang signifikan antara asupan protein, lemak, dan karbohidrat dengan status gizi kurang pada remaja di sekolah tersebut (p-value>0,05). Simpulan dari penelitian ini adalah bahwa upaya perbaikan status gizi remaja perlu mempertimbangkan faktor lain di luar pengetahuan gizi dan asupan makan, seperti perilaku konsumsi, lingkungan, serta pengaruh sosial di sekitar peserta didik.

Overnutrition remains a major public health concern in Indonesia, with increasing prevalence among young adults. Fast food consumption, characterized by high fat and low nutrient content, has been associated with various behavioral and environmental determinants, including media exposure. This study aimed to analyze the association between fast food–related media exposure and consumption frequency among young adults. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 158 individuals aged 19–29 years in Kepulauan Riau, Indonesia, using purposive sampling. Data were collected through a structured electronic questionnaire assessing media exposure and frequency of fast food consumption. Statistical analysis was performed using Spearman’s rank correlation test. The results showed that the majority of respondents were highly influenced in fast food–related media exposure (68.4%) and reported frequently in fast food consumption frequency (51.9%). However, no significant correlation was found between media exposure and consumption frequency (p = 0.296), with a very weak positive correlation coefficient (r = 0.084). These findings suggest that media exposure alone is not a strong determinant of fast food consumption behavior. Other factors such as individual preferences, social influences, and environmental conditions may play a more substantial role. Future interventions should adopt a multifactorial approach by addressing not only media exposure but also individual, social, and environmental determinants of dietary behavior. Strengthening nutrition education and improving healthy food accessibility are essential to reduce fast food consumption among young adults.

Pregnancy is a critical period during which women’s nutrition knowledge and practices can affect the health and nutrition status of both mother and child. This study aimed to assess the nutrition knowledge, practices and factors associated with nutrition practices among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Yangon Worker’s Hospital, in Tamwe Township, Yangon Region, Myanmar. A cross-sectional study was conducted from August to December 2025 using a face-to-face interview method with structured questionnaires. The study included 169 pregnant women of aged 20 to 45 years. The majority of participants (86.4%) were aged 35 years or younger. In terms of educational attainment, the largest proportion (36.1%) had completed middle school education, while the remaining participants had either primary or high school education. A small fraction of participants (1.2%) illiterate. More than half of the participants (53.3%) were in their first pregnancy, and (89.3%) were in the third trimester. The total nutrition knowledge scores were 33 and the median score (IQR) of participants was 10 (4). A total (65.7%) of the participants had good nutrition practices. Nutrition knowledge scores and ethnicity were significantly associated with nutrition practices; (AOR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.04–1.37), and (AOR = 3.46, 95% CI: 1.12–10.67). This study highlighted the needs in nutrition education, particularly in awareness about the importance of micronutrients and culturally sensitive counseling to address food taboos for promoting healthy dietary practices and reducing preventable complications during pregnancy.

Keywords

Myanmar, Nutrition knowledge, Practices, Pregnant women

Background: Low birth weight (LBW), defined as a birth weight of less than 2,500 grams, remains a significant public health concern due to its considerable impact on infant mortality and long-term growth dan development outcomes. This study aims to examine the relationship between maternal dietary patterns (non-vegetarian and vegetarian) and other maternal factors on the incidence of LBW in selected areas in Indonesia. Methods: This research uses a cross-sectional design involving 122 respondents, data were collected through structured questionnaires and a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). The study was conducted from March to May 2025 using purposive sampling. Results: A LBW prevalence of 5.7% in Indonesia, with prevalence rates of 8.3% among vegetarian mothers and 5.1% among non-vegetarian mothers. Bivariate analysis revealed no statistically significant associations between LBW incidence and dietary type (p = 0.623), frequency of staple food consumption (p = 0.272), frequency of animal protein consumption (p = 0.751), frequency of plant protein consumption (p = 0.113), pre-pregnancy nutritional status (p = 0.941), gestational weight gain (p = 0.707), interpregnancy interval (p = 1), parity (p = 0.709), ANC visit frequency (p = 1), maternal education level (p = 0.650), and supplement consumption (p = 0.555). Conclusions: There is no significant relationship between all independent variables with the incidence of low birth weight

Background : The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the eating pattern and reasons for choosing foods among adults. To consider this change, we, therefore, adapted the original Food Choice Questionnaire (FCQ) before using it in the community.

Methods : A cross-sectional study was conducted among 64 adults aged 35-64 years from December 2020 to January 2021 in Jakarta. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to reduce items in the original instrument with 36 questions. The Keiser Meyer Olkin (KMO) value must meet the value >0.5 to assess the feasibility of factor analysis. Question items included in the final FCQ shall have an anti-image value > 0.5 and a loading factor value < 0.4. Four focus group discussions (40 adults) were also performed to help confirm the question commonly mentioned by the subjects. Internal consistency of the scale was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha. A criteria for Cronbach’s alpha was selected as 0.60. Test-retest reliability was examined by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results: The KMO and MSA value from 36 questions met the expected criteria. We removed 16 questions that did not meet the anti-image values and the loading factor criteria from the original version of FCQ. Two questions about maintaining body weight and low fat intake were confirmed from the FGD. The final item questions consisted of four components, namely (1) Mood and convenience, (2) Health and ethical concern, (3) Price and natural content, (4) Sensory appeal and Familiarity, weight control components. Internal validity and reliability testing showed that the adapted FCQ was valid and reliable to assess the food choice motive among adults.

Conclusion: The adapted FCQ for adults living in Jakarta during the Covid-19 pandemic comprised of a shorter list of 18 questions with good internal validity and reliability, and can be used as a tool to assess food choice motives among adults living in Jakarta.

Keywords: Adults, Covid-19, Food choice motives, Questionnaire

Underweight remains a multidimensional public health problem among young children, influenced by various factors, including suboptimal feeding practices. Evidence on the role of complementary feeding initiation timing and responsive feeding in underweight remains inconsistent, particularly in low-resource settings. This study aimed to examine the association of complementary feeding initiation timing and responsive feeding practices with underweight among children aged 6–23 months. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 86 children under two years of age selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected through structured interviews to assess feeding practices and anthropometric measurements to determine nutritional status. Underweight was defined based on weight-for-age indicators. The findings showed that neither the timing of complementary feeding initiation nor responsive feeding practices were significantly associated with underweight among children aged 6–24 months. These findings suggest that underweight in this population may be influenced by other underlying factors beyond feeding timing and caregiver practices. Comprehensive, multisectoral interventions addressing broader determinants of child nutrition are needed to effectively reduce underweight prevalence.

Adolescence is a critical growth phase vulnerable to nutritional problems due to changing dietary patterns. The primary challenge in nutrition education is the availability of media that can attract adolescents' interest while delivering messages effectively. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of using bilingual infographics (English-Indonesian) in increasing knowledge of a balanced diet among adolescents at State Islamic Senior High School 2 Pekanbaru. Methods: This study used a quasi-experimental design with a one-group pre-test and post-test design. The population in this study were students of State Islamic Senior High School 2 Pekanbaru, with the sampling technique using total sampling, which resulted in 115 respondents who met the inclusion criteria. Research variables included the level of balanced diet knowledge, individual characteristics (age and gender), and nutritional status based on anthropometry (Weight/Height). The data collection tool used a structured questionnaire regarding balanced nutrition guidelines. Data were analyzed statistically using the Paired T-test at a 95% confidence level. Results: The results showed that the majority of respondents were 16 years old (53.0%) and male (56.5%). Most respondents had a normal nutritional status (67.8%), but overweight (19.1%) and obese (8.7%) groups were found. Knowledge analysis showed an increase in the mean value from 12.59 to 12.91. Statistical tests yielded a p-value of 0.007 (p < 0.05), indicating a significant difference in respondents' knowledge after receiving the intervention. The largest increase occurred in the understanding of the balanced nutrition pillar regarding diverse food consumption (from 55.7% to 76.5%).  Conclusion: The use of bilingual infographic media is significantly effective in increasing balanced diet knowledge in adolescents. This dual-language visual media can be an adaptive and communicative health education instrument to support the improvement of students' dietary patterns in the school environment.

Anemia during pregnancy constitutes a major public health concern in Indonesia, with inadequate micronutrient intak, particularly vitamin C, identified as a key contributing factor. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) facilitates the absorption of non-heme iron, thereby playing a critical role in hemoglobin synthesis. This study aimed to examine the relationship between vitamin C intake adequacy and the incidence of anemia among pregnant women in the working area of Puskesmas Totoli, Majene Regency, West Sulawesi. A cross-sectional observational design was employed, involving 106 pregnant women in the first and second trimesters selected via simple random sampling. Dietary assessment was conducted using the Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (SQ-FFQ), hemoglobin levels were measured using the Easy Touch GCHb digital device, and anemia was defined based on the Indonesian Ministry of Health criteria (Hb <11 g/dL for trimesters I and III; <10.5 g/dL for trimester II). Results indicated that 34.9% of subjects were anemic, and 46.2% had inadequate vitamin C intake (mean: 57.18 mg/day; AKG 2019 recommendation: ≥95 mg/day during pregnancy). Among subjects with inadequate vitamin C, 51.0% were anemic, compared to 21.1% among those with adequate vitamin C. Bivariate analysis using the Chi-square test revealed a statistically significant association between vitamin C adequacy and the incidence of anemia (p = 0.001). These findings underscore the importance of improving vitamin C consumption through fruit, vegetable, and dietary diversification programs to support iron absorption and reduce anemia risk during pregnancy

Fenomena beban ganda malnutrisi tetap menjadi tantangan gizi yang serius di Indonesia. Selain kekurangan gizi, tren kelebihan berat badan di kalangan anak sekolah dasar terus meningkat, terutama di daerah pinggiran kota yang sedang berkembang seiring dengan transisi sosial ekonomi keluarga. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis hubungan antara pendapatan orang tua dan status gizi siswa kelas 5 di SDN Telukjambe II, Kecamatan Telukjambe Timur, Kabupaten Karawang. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kuantitatif dengan desain cross-sectional. Sampel terdiri dari 31 siswa yang dipilih menggunakan simple random sampling. Data dikumpulkan menggunakan kuesioner untuk variabel pendapatan orang tua, serta pengukuran langsung berat dan tinggi badan untuk menentukan status gizi berdasarkan Indeks Massa Tubuh untuk Usia (BMI-for-Age). Analisis data dilakukan menggunakan uji korelasi Pearson. Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwa mayoritas orang tua siswa termasuk dalam kategori pendapatan sedang (61,3%) dan tinggi (35,5%). Sebagian besar siswa memiliki status gizi normal (64,5%), tetapi prevalensi kelebihan berat badan juga cukup tinggi, yaitu 12,9% untuk kelebihan berat badan dan 16,1% untuk obesitas. Hasil analisis bivariat menunjukkan tidak ada hubungan positif yang signifikan dan asosiasi yang sangat lemah antara pendapatan orang tua dan status gizi anak (nilai p = 0,348; r = 0,175). Para peneliti menyimpulkan bahwa tidak ada korelasi antara pendapatan orang tua dan status gizi siswa kelas lima di SDN Telukjambe II; pendapatan orang tua bukanlah penentu utama status gizi anak usia sekolah dasar di daerah penelitian.

Nutritional status among elementary school children is an important indicator of health, growth, and development, and may be influenced by dietary behaviors such as breakfast habits and pocket money. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between pocket money and breakfast habits with the nutritional status of students at SDN Adiarsa Barat IV, Karawang Regency. This study used a quantitative cross-sectional design involving 30 elementary school students selected as respondents. Data on pocket money and breakfast habits were collected using questionnaires, while nutritional status was determined based on body mass index (BMI). Data analysis was performed using the Spearman correlation test. The results showed that there was no significant relationship between pocket money and nutritional status (p-value = 0.181; r = 0.338). However, breakfast habits were significantly associated with nutritional status (p-value = 0.003; r = -0.527). Students with poor breakfast habits were more likely to have overweight nutritional status, while students with good breakfast habits tended to have normal nutritional status. These findings indicate that breakfast habits play an important role in maintaining the nutritional status of school-aged children. Therefore, schools and parents should encourage healthy breakfast habits and balanced eating patterns to prevent nutritional problems among elementary school children.