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International Symposium of Public Health and International Conference of Epidemiology Public Health

CHARACTERISTICS OF PUBLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN THE FREE NUTRITIONAL MEAL PROGRAM IN JAMBI CITY

Date Published : 15 September 2026

Contributors

Ismi Nurwaqiah Ibnu

Universitas Jambi
Author

Kasyani

Universitas Jambi
Author

Usi Lanita

Universitas Jambi
Author

Hendra Dhermawan Sitanggang

Universitas Jambi
Author

Keywords

Free Nutritious Meals nutritional status elementary school Nutrition Program learning outcome.

Proceeding

(2026): PROCEEDING OF 9th INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM OF PUBLIC HEALTH (ISOPH)

Track

General Track

License

Copyright (c) 2026 International Symposium of Public Health and International Conference of Epidemiology Public Health

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Abstract

Background: Nutritional needs for early childhood and elementary school children are crucial, given their period of rapid physical, cognitive, mental, and emotional growth. According to the 2023 Indonesian Health Survey, the prevalence of stunting in Jambi reached 20.5%, higher than the national average. Underweight rates of 9.3% and overweight rates of 19.2% also indicate serious nutritional problems. This nutritional status has a direct impact on children's health, cognition, and academic achievement. To address this issue, the Indonesian government launched the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG). This study aims to assess the program's effectiveness on height, weight, Height/Age Z-score (HAZ), Body Mass Index/Age Z-score (BMIAZ), and student learning outcomes in Jambi. Method: This study used a quantitative, observational, analytical method, comparing two groups: a case group (SDN 66 Jambi City) that received the MBG program, and a control group (SDN 92 Jambi City) that did not receive it. The study sample consisted of 70 fourth- and fifth-grade students from each school. Data normality test and independent t-test were conducted using the SPSS program. Result: The study found that students at schools receiving the Free Nutritional Meal Program had slightly better anthropometrics (higher weight and height) and closer-to-normal BMI/Age Z-scores. Most significantly, their learning evaluation results were substantially higher than those of students at schools not receiving the Free Nutritional Meal Program. Conclusion: The Nutritious Food Program (MBG) had a significant positive impact on student learning outcomes. Overall, the MBG program has proven successful in improving students' nutritional status towards normal.

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How to Cite

Ismi Nurwaqiah Ibnu, I. N. I., Kasyani, K., Usi Lanita, U. L., & Hendra Dhermawan Sitanggang, H. D. S. (2026). CHARACTERISTICS OF PUBLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN THE FREE NUTRITIONAL MEAL PROGRAM IN JAMBI CITY. International Symposium of Public Health and International Conference of Epidemiology Public Health, 121-130. https://e-conference.unair.ac.id/isoph/paper/view/1571