The Effect of the Continuous Supplementary Feeding (PMT) Program on Nutritional Improvement of Stunting in Binjai City / Pengaruh Program Pemberian Makanan Tambahan (PMT) Berkelanjutan Terhadap Perbaikan Gizi Stunting di Kota Binjai

Background: Stunting remains a serious public health problem in Indonesia, including in Binjai City, with a prevalence rate that continues to fluctuate and requires effective intervention. Stunting is caused by chronic malnutrition and results in growth failure. The Supplementary Feeding Program (PMT) is a specific intervention expected to improve the nutritional status of toddlers. Objective: This study aims to analyze the effect of the continuous Supplementary Feeding Program (PMT) on improving the nutritional status of stunted toddlers in Binjai City. Methods: This study used a quasi-experimental design (one-group pretest-posttest). The research population was 44 stunted toddlers registered in the Binjai City Stunting Reduction Acceleration Team (TPPS) program. Data was collected through direct anthropometric measurements (body weight and height) before and after the 90-day PMT intervention. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test. Results: The results showed a statistically significant improvement in the toddlers' nutritional status after the PMT intervention. This was evidenced by an increase in the indicators of body weight (p < 0.001), height (p < 0.001), W/A index (p = 0.002), H/A index (p < 0.001), and W/H index (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The continuous Supplementary Feeding Program (PMT) was proven effective in improving the nutritional status of stunted toddlers. This program can be used as a reliable strategy in efforts to accelerate the reduction of stunting rates in Binjai City.

Latar Belakang: Stunting masih menjadi masalah kesehatan masyarakat yang serius di Indonesia, termasuk di Kota Binjai, dengan prevalensi yang terus mengalami fluktuasi dan memerlukan intervensi efektif. Stunting disebabkan oleh kekurangan gizi kronis dan berdampak pada kegagalan pertumbuhan. Program Pemberian Makanan Tambahan (PMT) merupakan intervensi spesifik yang diharapkan dapat memperbaiki status gizi balita. Tujuan: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis pengaruh Program Pemberian Makanan Tambahan (PMT) berkelanjutan terhadap perbaikan status gizi balita stunting di Kota Binjai. Metode: Penelitian ini menggunakan desain kuasi-eksperimen (one-group pretest-posttest). Populasi penelitian adalah 44 balita stunting yang terdaftar di Tim Percepatan Penurunan Stunting (TPPS) Kota Binjai. Pengumpulan data dilakukan melalui pengukuran antropometri langsung (berat badan dan tinggi badan) sebelum dan setelah intervensi PMT selama 90 hari. Data dianalisis menggunakan Uji Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test. Hasil: Hasil penelitian menunjukkan terdapat peningkatan yang signifikan secara statistik pada status gizi balita setelah intervensi PMT. Hal ini dibuktikan dengan peningkatan pada indikator berat badan (p < 0,001), tinggi badan (p < 0,001), indeks BB/U (p = 0,002), TB/U (p < 0,001), dan BB/TB (p < 0,001). Kesimpulan: Pemberian Makanan Tambahan (PMT) berkelanjutan terbukti efektif dalam memperbaiki status gizi balita stunting. Program ini dapat dijadikan sebagai salah satu strategi andal dalam upaya percepatan penurunan angka stunting di Kota Binjai.