THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MORNING MEAL ADHERENCE AND SNACKING WITH CHILDREN'S NUTRITIONAL STATUS DURING THE IMPLEMENTATION PERIOD FREE NUTRITIOUS EATING PROGRAM (MBG)

Abstract

Morning meal adherence and snacking are part of the diet of school-age children that have the potential to affect nutritional fulfillment and nutritional status. This study aims to analyze the relationship between morning meal adherence and snacking with children's nutritional status during the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meal Program at MI Miftahul Huda Pecalukan, Prigen District, Pasuruan Regency. The research uses an analytical design with a case control approach. The sample was 117 students in grades IV–VI who were selected using Proportional Stratified Random Sampling. Data were obtained through BMI/U measurements and questionnaires, then analyzed using Ordinal Logistic Regression at SPSS 26. The results showed that most of the respondents had a fairly compliant morning meal adherence (64.1%), moderate snacking habits (70.9%), and poor nutritional status (55.6%). Statistical tests showed that there was no significant relationship between morning meal adherence and snacking and nutritional status (p=0.347). Nutritional status is suspected to be influenced by other factors, including diet, physical activity, health conditions, parenting, and the Free Nutritious Meal Program