The Effect of Maternal Perception on Preschool-Aged Children’s Nutritional Status

Abstract

Nutritional status is an important matter that needs to be paid attention during preschool. Malnutrition during this period will cause irreversible damage which cannot be recovered as an adult. The role of mothers in fulfilling the nutritional status of preschoolers is essential. Maternal perceptions influence the intentions and behavior of mothers in the nutritional needs of preschool children. This study aims to determine the effect of maternal perceptions on the development of children’s nutritional status at preschool age. This research was conducted at Slendro 1 Kindergarten, Slendro 2 Kindergarten, and Slendro Village PAUD Post, Gesi District, Sragen Regency (Central Java, Indonesia). The research used descriptive correlational design with cross-sectional approach. A total of 61 female student guardians who have preschool age children were used as samples. This study utilized two variables, namely maternal perception (support and barrier) as the independent variable and the nutritional status of preschool children as the dependent variable. The data were collected using a questionnaire and anthropometric measurements (BW/BH), then the data were analyzed using the Sperman Rho test (α ≤ 0.05). The results show that 59% of mothers had high perceptions and 41% of mothers had low perceptions of the nutritional status of preschool children. Statistical test results show that there is a significant relationship (ρ = 0.029) with a correlation coefficient (r = 0.280) between maternal perceptions and the nutritional status of children at preschool age. Perception has a huge influence on a mother’s intention in improving the nutritional status of a child. A positive maternal perception of the fulfillment of a child’s nutritional needs at preschool age can improve a child’s nutritional status.