The Role of Mothers with Underweight Toddlers in Food-Security Households in the Rasanae Timur Community Health Center Work Area

Abstract

The problem of underweight toddlers remains a crucial public health challenge, even in areas with good food security. The nutritional paradox phenomenon demonstrates that abundant food availability does not automatically guarantee optimal nutritional status in children if it is not accompanied by appropriate parenting practices. This study aims to uncover behavioral and managerial barriers in the parenting practices of mothers with underweight toddlers in food-secure households within the Rasanae Timur Community Health Center (Puskesmas) coverage area. This qualitative study used a phenomenological approach with purposive sampling of 10 primary informants (mothers of underweight toddlers) and 3 supporting informants. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed using the Miles and Huberman interactive model. The findings indicate a knowledge-practice gap, where mothers possess basic nutritional knowledge but have not consistently applied it. Mothers tend to have a permissive parenting style, using instant strategies such as providing snacks and gadget distractions to address picky eating. Time constraints due to working mothers are a major managerial barrier to maintaining regular meal schedules for children. The incidence of underweight in this region is predominantly influenced by parenting behaviors, mothers' perceptions of child health, and time management, rather than food constraints. Nutrition interventions need to focus on behavioral changes and education on responsive parenting at the household level.