The Effectiveness of Zinc Supplementation on Z-Score Index Changes in Stunting Children

Authors

  • brivian florentis yustanta STIKES Karya Husada Kediri

Keywords:

Zinc Supplementation, Z-Score Index, Stunting Children, Pandemic

Abstract

Background: During the Covid-19 pandemic, the number of stunting cases continue to increase. The prevalence of stunting in East Java in 2020 reached 32.81%, while in Kediri reached more than 30%. In stunted children, there is a deficiency of macro and micronutrients. One of the micronutrients that have an important role in growth process is zinc. This study objective to analyze the effectiveness of zinc supplementation on z-score index changes in stunting children.

Methods: This study was an experimental research with pretest posttest control group design. It was conducted from February to May 2021 in several Public Health Center Kediri, East Java, Indonesia. The population were all stunting children under five. By using purposive sampling obtained sample size 32. The instrument used questionnaire, zinc syrup, weight scale, stature meter, maternal and child health book. Data were analyzed using Mann Whitney and Wilcoxon Sign Ranked Test.

Results: After 4 months of zinc supplementation with a dose of 1 tablespoon (10 mg) per day, the results showed that there was a significant difference in the z-score index of stunting children who received zinc compared to the control group with p value 0.001. The average weight gain in intervention group was 2.7 kg and in control group was 1.2 kg. While the average increase in height in intervention group was 2.9 cm and in control group was 1.1 cm.

Conclusions: Handling cases of malnutrition, especially stunting, need to be a priority during the pandemic.

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Published

2021-12-20