Correlation between Mother's Self-Efficacy, Nutrient Intake, and Height of Age Z-Score (HAZ)

Nutritional status in children under five years is one of the important factors that determine the growth and development of children. Factors affecting the nutritional status of children are divided into two categories: direct and indirect factors. One of the direct factors is intake, and the indirect factor is maternal self-efficacy. Nutritional deficiency can be a concern in developing countries when children are young because it affects their cognitive development. Good self-efficacy in mothers can increase the quantity and quality of children's food intake so that nutritional needs can be met according to nutritional adequacy recommendations. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between maternal self-efficacy, nutrient intake, and nutritional status in children based on the height-for-age index (HAZ). The research design used was a cross-sectional approach. This study involved 148 children aged 2–5 years, and the child's data was asked of the child's guardian, in this case, the subject's mother. Data on the characteristics and self-efficacy forms of mothers were obtained using a questionnaire, while nutritional intake data were obtained using a 2x24-hour food recall. Data analysis in this study used Spearman's Rank for bivariate analysis and logistic regression for multivariate analysis. The results of the data analysis showed that there was a relationship between nutritional status (HAZ) and maternal self-efficacy with the intake of macronutrients and micronutrients, except for zinc. Variables that affect the height-for-age index are maternal self-efficacy and protein intake. The study concluded that there is a significant relationship between maternal self-efficacy and nutrient intake, and nutritional status based on the height-for-age index (HAZ).