Relationship Between Knowledge Level and Mother's Education Level Regarding Wasting in Posyandu Kasih Bunda

Abstract

Wasting is a common nutritional problem in Indonesia. Wasting itself is a condition where a child experiences malnutrition or undernutrition with a weight/height score below normal. Causes of wasting include nutritional intake, infectious diseases, family conditions such as education and maternal knowledge. Maternal education is an important factor in preventing stunting. The higher the mother's education level, the higher the mother's level of knowledge about wasting in children. Mothers with higher education generally have an easier time understanding health information, are more critical in receiving information, and have wider access to information sources. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between maternal knowledge and education levels regarding wasting at the Posyandu Kasih Bunda Post. The sample of this study was 30 people. Data analysis used the chi-square test with α = 0.05. Based on the results of the study, it was found that there was no relationship between education (p = 0.612 and 0.725) and knowledge levels (p = 0.781 and 0.834) about wasting. The conclusion is that there is no relationship between education and maternal knowledge about wasting at the Posyandu Kasih Bunda in Palembang. Many factors influence wasting, such as economic factors, nutrition, disease, and parental attitudes. Furthermore, the government's role in preventing wasting, such as by increasing health and nutrition promotion, is also crucial.