Improvement of Health Counseling Program

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 103 views

The Effect of Iodine Consumption on the Status of Elementary School Children in Sukaramai, Kingdom District, Pakpak Bharat Regency

Introduction

Disorders due to iodine deficiency, also known as Gaky, are a significant health concern that requires serious attention. In Indonesia, approximately 18.8% of the population lives in areas with mild endemic iodine deficiency, while 4.2% are in moderate endemic areas and 4.5% in severe endemic areas. Pakpak Bharat Regency, a division of Dairi Regency, falls into the regional category with a lightweight endemicity level, with a Thyroid Gland Rate (TGR) of 18.1%. This study aims to explore the relationship between various variables, such as child iodine consumption, mother's knowledge, drinking water quality, and salt quality, to the status of children in the Sukaramai Elementary School.

Background

Iodine is an essential nutrient for the growth and development of children, particularly for cognitive functions and thyroid health. However, iodine deficiency can lead to various health problems, including Gaky. In Indonesia, Gaky is still a significant health concern, with a prevalence rate of 18.1% in Pakpak Bharat Regency. The Pakpak Bharat District Health Office has implemented various health programs to address this issue, but the effectiveness of these programs is still unclear.

Research Methodology

This study uses the Explanatory Survey Method to explore the causal relationship between the variables studied. The population that became the focus was all elementary students and their mothers, with a total sample of 53 children and mothers. Data was collected through interviews using questionnaires, and data analysis was carried out using multiple logistics regression tests with a 95% confidence level.

Research Results

The results of this study indicate that the TGR in the endemic region of Gaky is mild, with a prevalence rate of 13.2%. The Chi-Square test revealed that there was a significant relationship between the child's iodine consumption variable (p = 0.002), mother's knowledge (p = 0.001), drinking water quality (p = 0.001), and salt quality (p = 0.004) with the status of the child's Gaky in Sukaramai Elementary School. On the other hand, the results of multiple logistics regression tests show that only the variable consumption of child iodine (p = 0.024) and mother's knowledge (p = 0.018) has a significant influence on the status of Gaky, while the quality of drinking water (p = 0.825) and salt quality (p = 0.180) does not show a significant relationship.

Additional Analysis and Explanation

Iodine consumption is crucial for the growth and development of children, especially for cognitive functions and thyroid health. This study shows that the low knowledge of the mother about the importance of iodine contributes to the status of children's Gaky. Mothers who have better knowledge tend to provide iodine-rich food intake, such as iodized salt and seafood.

Poor drinking water quality can contribute to various health problems, but in the context of this study, no significant effect on Gaky status was found. This can be caused by several factors, such as other efforts that have been made by the community to access better water sources, although in general, the quality of drinking water in the area needs to be considered.

In addition, although the quality of salt plays a role in preventing Gaky, this study shows that not all types of salt used by the community have sufficient iodine levels. Therefore, supervision and education about the selection of iodized salt need to be increased.

Conclusion

The Pakpak Bharat District Health Office is advised to improve the health counseling program regarding Gaky and the importance of iodine consumption, as well as increasing cross-sectoral cooperation with the Trade and Industry Office in supervision of the procurement of iodized salt. With these steps, it is expected that the health status of children, especially those at risk of experiencing GAKY, can be improved significantly. This preventive effort is very important to ensure that children grow with optimal health and reduce the prevalence rates of GAKY in the area.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Improvement of Health Counseling Program: The Pakpak Bharat District Health Office should improve the health counseling program regarding Gaky and the importance of iodine consumption.
Cross-Sectoral Cooperation: The Pakpak Bharat District Health Office should increase cross-sectoral cooperation with the Trade and Industry Office in supervision of the procurement of iodized salt.
Education and Supervision: The community should be educated about the importance of iodine consumption and the selection of iodized salt.
Monitoring and Evaluation: The Pakpak Bharat District Health Office should monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the health counseling program and the procurement of iodized salt.

By implementing these recommendations, it is expected that the health status of children in Sukaramai Elementary School can be improved significantly, and the prevalence rates of GAKY in the area can be reduced.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Effect of Iodine Consumption on the Status of Elementary School Children in Sukaramai, Kingdom District, Pakpak Bharat Regency

Q: What is Gaky, and why is it a concern?

A: Gaky, also known as iodine deficiency disorder, is a condition that occurs when the body does not have enough iodine. Iodine is essential for the growth and development of children, particularly for cognitive functions and thyroid health. Gaky is a concern because it can lead to various health problems, including stunted growth, cognitive impairment, and thyroid problems.

Q: What is the prevalence rate of Gaky in Pakpak Bharat Regency?

A: The prevalence rate of Gaky in Pakpak Bharat Regency is 18.1%, which is higher than the national average. This indicates that Gaky is a significant health concern in the region.

Q: What are the risk factors for Gaky?

A: The risk factors for Gaky include:

Low iodine consumption
Poor knowledge of the importance of iodine
Poor quality of drinking water
Poor quality of salt

Q: What is the role of mother's knowledge in preventing Gaky?

A: Mother's knowledge plays a crucial role in preventing Gaky. Mothers who have better knowledge about the importance of iodine tend to provide iodine-rich food intake, such as iodized salt and seafood, to their children.

Q: What is the significance of iodized salt in preventing Gaky?

A: Iodized salt is a crucial source of iodine for children. However, this study shows that not all types of salt used by the community have sufficient iodine levels. Therefore, supervision and education about the selection of iodized salt are necessary.

Q: What are the recommendations for preventing Gaky?

A: The recommendations for preventing Gaky include:

Improving the health counseling program regarding Gaky and the importance of iodine consumption
Increasing cross-sectoral cooperation with the Trade and Industry Office in supervision of the procurement of iodized salt
Educating the community about the importance of iodine consumption and the selection of iodized salt
Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the health counseling program and the procurement of iodized salt

Q: What is the expected outcome of implementing these recommendations?

A: The expected outcome of implementing these recommendations is that the health status of children in Sukaramai Elementary School can be improved significantly, and the prevalence rates of GAKY in the area can be reduced.

Q: Who should be involved in implementing these recommendations?

A: The following stakeholders should be involved in implementing these recommendations:

Pakpak Bharat District Health Office
Trade and Industry Office
Community leaders
Parents and caregivers of children in Sukaramai Elementary School

Q: What is the timeline for implementing these recommendations?

A: The timeline for implementing these recommendations will depend on the availability of resources and the commitment of the stakeholders involved. However, it is expected that the recommendations will be implemented within the next 6-12 months.