SUPPLEMENTARY FEEDING PROGRAM (PMT) FOR UNDERNOURISHED TODDLERS AT THE COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER

Abstract

Background: Undernourished toddlers represent a vulnerable population at risk for impaired growth and weakened immunity. The Supplementary Feeding Program (PMT) implemented at community health centers ( Puskesmas) serves as a strategic intervention to improve child nutritional status. This study was conducted at Tabaringan Community Health Center, a training site for medical profession program (MPPD) students of the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Muslim Indonesia (UMI). Methods: This study applied a pretest–posttest one - group design involving 40 undernourished toddlers (aged 6 –59 months) who participated in the PMT program for 8 weeks. Anthropometric measurements (weight and height) were recorded before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using the paired t -test to determine changes in nutritional indicators. Results: After the PMT intervention, there was a statistically significant improvement in nutritional indicators: W/A (p < 0.001), H/A (p = 0.046), and W/H (p = 0.021). The proportion of chil dren with normal nutritional status increased notably; W/A: 0% to 57%, H/A: 55% to 70%, and W/H: 25% to 40%. Discussion: These findings indicate that the PMT program effectively improved child nutrition within a relatively short duration. The success was primarily influenced by accurate targeting, compliance of recipients, quality of supplementary food, and supportive careg iving practices at home. Conclusion: The PMT program at the Tabaringan Community Health Center proved effective in improving the nutriti onal status of undernourished toddlers within 8 weeks. Expansion of this program with maternal education, regular monitoring, and the use of locally sourced nutritious ingredients is recommended to ensure sustainability and long-term impact.