Improvement of pregnancy check program

Oct 13, 2025 by thesweetdesigns.com 28 views

Effect of Pregnancy Examination and Nutritional Status of Pregnant Women on Low Birth Weight Outputs in Medan City in 2010

Introduction

Low birth weight (LBW) is a significant public health concern worldwide, including in Indonesia. In 2010, Medan City recorded a high incidence of LBW, with 301 cases out of 52,613 births, equivalent to 0.6%. The most affected sub-districts were West Medan, Medan Helvetia, Medan Deli, and Medan Labuhan, with a total of 254 infants born with LBW. This study aims to analyze the effect of pregnancy care (antenatal care) and nutritional status of pregnant women on the output of low birth weight infants in maternity clinics in Medan City in 2010.

Background

LBW is a major risk factor for infant mortality and morbidity, and its prevention is a critical public health goal. In Indonesia, LBW is a significant concern, with a high incidence rate reported in various studies. The causes of LBW are multifactorial, including maternal nutritional status, pregnancy care, and socio-economic factors. In Medan City, the high incidence of LBW is a concern, and understanding the factors contributing to it is essential for developing effective prevention strategies.

Methodology

This study used an explanatory survey design, where the population studied was 254 mothers who had pregnancy examinations and gave birth to LBW babies registered in the medical records of the four sub-districts. From this population, 100 samples were taken using proportional random sampling. The data used was secondary data obtained from medical records, and analyzed using the Kruskall Wallis method followed by Mann Whitney, with a confidence level α = 95%.

Results

The results showed that several factors influenced the incidence of LBW, including:

Weight of pregnant women: The weight of pregnant women was found to be a significant predictor of LBW. Pregnant women with a lower weight were more likely to have a LBW baby.
Administration of iron tablets (Fe): The administration of iron tablets was found to be associated with a lower incidence of LBW.
Height of uterine fundus: The height of the uterine fundus was found to be a significant predictor of LBW.
Mother's nutritional status: The mother's nutritional status was found to be a significant predictor of LBW.

However, the examination of pregnancy and the administration of toxoid immunization in the mother did not show a significant effect on the output of low birth weight infants.

Discussion

The results of this study suggest that attention to nutritional status and maternal pregnancy examination is very important in preventing LBW. A more intensive and informative health program can help reduce LBW numbers and improve the quality of maternal and baby health in Medan. The study also highlights the importance of health workers providing effective health promotions and services, especially in pregnancy checks, in accordance with the 7T program (seven integrated actions).

Recommendations

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

Improvement of pregnancy check program: The Medan City Health Office and related agencies are recommended to improve the pregnancy check program through posyandu activities (Integrated Service Post) and home visits.
Health promotion and services: Health workers are expected to be able to provide effective health promotions and services, especially in pregnancy checks, in accordance with the 7T program.
Pregnant women's awareness: Pregnant women are advised to be more active in finding health information, checking regular pregnancy, and carrying out the directions provided by health workers to reduce the risk of LBW.

Conclusion

This study shows that attention to nutritional status and maternal pregnancy examination is very important in preventing LBW. A more intensive and informative health program can help reduce LBW numbers and improve the quality of maternal and baby health in Medan. Through collaborative efforts between the government, health workers, and the community, it is expected that the LBW number can be minimized in the future.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

Secondary data: The study used secondary data obtained from medical records, which may not be comprehensive or accurate.
Sample size: The sample size was relatively small, which may not be representative of the larger population.
Methodology: The study used a cross-sectional design, which may not be able to establish causality between the variables.

Future Research

Future research should focus on:

Longitudinal study: A longitudinal study design can help establish causality between the variables and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to LBW.
Large sample size: A larger sample size can help ensure that the results are representative of the larger population.
Multivariate analysis: A multivariate analysis can help identify the complex relationships between the variables and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to LBW.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Effect of Pregnancy Examination and Nutritional Status of Pregnant Women on Low Birth Weight Outputs in Medan City in 2010

Q: What is the significance of this study?

A: This study is significant because it highlights the importance of attention to nutritional status and maternal pregnancy examination in preventing low birth weight (LBW). LBW is a major risk factor for infant mortality and morbidity, and its prevention is a critical public health goal.

Q: What were the main findings of this study?

A: The main findings of this study were that several factors influenced the incidence of LBW, including the weight of pregnant women, administration of iron tablets (Fe), height of uterine fundus, and mother's nutritional status. However, the examination of pregnancy and the administration of toxoid immunization in the mother did not show a significant effect on the output of low birth weight infants.

Q: What are the implications of this study?

A: The implications of this study are that attention to nutritional status and maternal pregnancy examination is very important in preventing LBW. A more intensive and informative health program can help reduce LBW numbers and improve the quality of maternal and baby health in Medan.

Q: What are the recommendations of this study?

A: The recommendations of this study are that the Medan City Health Office and related agencies should improve the pregnancy check program through posyandu activities (Integrated Service Post) and home visits. Health workers should also be able to provide effective health promotions and services, especially in pregnancy checks, in accordance with the 7T program (seven integrated actions). Pregnant women should also be more active in finding health information, checking regular pregnancy, and carrying out the directions provided by health workers to reduce the risk of LBW.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The limitations of this study are that it used secondary data obtained from medical records, which may not be comprehensive or accurate. The sample size was also relatively small, which may not be representative of the larger population. The study used a cross-sectional design, which may not be able to establish causality between the variables.

Q: What are the future research directions?

A: The future research directions are to conduct a longitudinal study to establish causality between the variables and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to LBW. A larger sample size should also be used to ensure that the results are representative of the larger population. A multivariate analysis should also be conducted to identify the complex relationships between the variables and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to LBW.

Q: What are the policy implications of this study?

A: The policy implications of this study are that the government should prioritize the prevention of LBW by improving the pregnancy check program and providing effective health promotions and services to pregnant women. The government should also invest in health education and awareness programs to inform pregnant women about the importance of regular pregnancy checks and healthy lifestyle choices.

Q: What are the implications for healthcare providers?

A: The implications for healthcare providers are that they should be able to provide effective health promotions and services, especially in pregnancy checks, in accordance with the 7T program (seven integrated actions). Healthcare providers should also be able to identify pregnant women who are at risk of LBW and provide them with targeted interventions to prevent LBW.

Q: What are the implications for pregnant women?

A: The implications for pregnant women are that they should be more active in finding health information, checking regular pregnancy, and carrying out the directions provided by health workers to reduce the risk of LBW. Pregnant women should also be aware of the importance of regular pregnancy checks and healthy lifestyle choices to prevent LBW.