Effectiveness of the makanan bergizi gratis program on the nutritional status of elementary school children: a mixed methods study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21927/ijnd.2026.14(3).182-189Keywords:
Program Makan Bergizi Gratis, Nutritional Status, Body Mass Index, Hemoglobin, indeks massa tubuh, status gizi, free nutritious meal programAbstract
ABSTRAK
Latar Belakang: Masalah gizi pada anak usia sekolah masih menjadi tantangan di Indonesia, termasuk anemia dan gizi kurang yang dapat menghambat pertumbuhan fisik, perkembangan kognitif, dan prestasi belajar. Pemerintah merespons kondisi ini dengan meluncurkan Program Makan Bergizi Gratis (MBG) di sekolah sebagai upaya peningkatan kualitas gizi dan sumber daya manusia sejak dini.
Tujuan: Penelitian ini bertujuan mengevaluasi efektivitas program MBG terhadap status gizi siswa sekolah dasar di Kota Gorontalo serta mengidentifikasi faktor-faktor yang memengaruhi keberhasilan implementasinya.
Metode: Desain penelitian menggunakan desain mixed methods dengan pendekatan single-group pretest-posttest expermental design. Penelitian dilaksanakan pada bulan Juni-Agustus 2025 pada 283 siswa kelas IV–VI, dipilih secara stratified random sampling. Data kuantitatif diperoleh melalui pengukuran antropometri dan kadar hemoglobin, sedangkan data kualitatif dikumpulkan melalui wawancara mendalam dan observasi dengan guru, orang tua, dan pengelola program.
Hasil: Hasil penelitian menunjukkan tidak terdapat perbedaan signifikan secara statistik pada IMT sebelum dan sesudah intervensi (p=0,062), meskipun terdapat perbaikan ditandai dengan penurunan proporsi overweight dan obesitas. Status hemoglobin siswa relatif stabil, menunjukkan perlunya strategi tambahan seperti menu kaya zat besi atau suplementasi mikronutrien. Temuan kualitatif mengindikasikan bahwa program MBG diterima dengan baik oleh siswa, orang tua dan pihak sekolah, namun tantangan muncul terkait preferensi makanan siswa dan pemborosan pangan.
Kesimpulan: Secara keseluruhan, MBG berpotensi mendukung perbaikan status gizi anak usia sekolah apabila dilaksanakan secara konsisten dan berkelanjutan, di dukung oleh kolaborasi lintas sektor serta diintegrasikan intervensi tambahan. Penelitian ini menegaskan pentingnya program gizi berbasis sekolah sebagai intervensi komprehensif dalam mendukung tumbuh kembang dan prestasi akademik anak.
ABSTRACT
Background: Nutritional problems among school-aged children remain a significant public health challenge in Indonesia, including anemia and undernutrition, which can hinder physical growth, cognitive development, and academic performance. The government has responded by implementing the Program Makan Bergizi Gratis (MBG) in schools to improve nutritional status and human resources from an early age.
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the MBG program on the nutritional status of elementary school students in Gorontalo City and to identify factors influencing its implementation.
Methods: A mixed-methods study with a single-group pretest-posttest design was conducted from June to August 2025 among 283 students in grades IV–VI, selected through stratified random sampling. Quantitative data were obtained from anthropometric measurements and hemoglobin levels, while qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews and observations involving teachers, parents, and program managers.
Results: No statistically significant difference in BMI was found before and after the intervention (p=0.062), although a reduction in overweight and obesity prevalence was observed. Hemoglobin levels remained relatively stable, indicating the need for additional strategies such as iron-rich menus or supplementation. Qualitative findings indicated strong program acceptance, despite challenges related to food preferences and waste.
Conclusions: The MBG program shows potential to improve nutritional status when implemented consistently and supported by cross-sectoral collaboration and complementary interventions.
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