EFFECTIVENESS OF LOCAL FOOD SUPPLEMENTARY FEEDING PROGRAM IN IMPROVING NUTRITION OF TODDLERS AND PREGNANT WOMEN IN PALIBELO DISTRICT BIMA REGENCY, WEST NUSA TENGGARA

Abstract

Malnutrition in toddlers and pregnant women contributes to chronic health problems such as stunting and prematurity. The Indonesian government has established a local food-based PMT to address stunting by increasing the nutritional intake of pregnant women and toddlers. NTB reported a decrease in stunting rates to 12.6% in 2024 partly due to the local PMT program. Methods: A one-group pretest-posttest quasi-experimental study was conducted at the Palibelo Health Center. The sample included 25 toddlers (24–59 months) and 25 pregnant women (second trimester) who received local food-based PMT every day for 90 days. Each portion of PMT contained around 300–450 kcal of energy and 6–18 grams of protein. Weight data were measured before and after the intervention and analyzed using a paired t-test (α=0.05). Results: The average weight of toddlers increased from 12.71±1.64 kg to 13.89±1.78 kg (t(24)=14.64, p<0.001); 24 out of 25 toddlers (96%) experienced weight gain. Pregnant women experienced an average weight gain from 49.95±4.39 kg to 53.18±4.59 kg (t(24)=19.84, p<0.001); all pregnant women (100%) showed weight gain. These results indicate that local PMT is effective in improving the nutritional status of both groups. Conclusion: The PMT program based on local food significantly increased the weight of toddlers and pregnant women in Palibelo. This nutritional intervention is consistent with previous reports and supports the target of reducing stunting. Routine implementation of local PMT and nutrition education is recommended to improve the nutritional status of mothers and children