Analysis of the Relationship between Hygiene Level and Nutritional Status among Children in Wonosari Village, Boalemo, Gorontalo
Abstract
Introduction: Nutritional status is a complex health outcome determined by multiple interacting factors, while hygiene's independent role remains unclear. This study examined its link with nutritional status in Wonosari Village, Gorontalo.
Methods: A cross-sectional study of 48 children aged 10–13 years in Wonosari Village, Boalemo, Gorontalo was conducted in July 2026. BMI was calculated from measured weight and height. Hygiene level was assessed using a standardized questionnaire, with scores categorized by median split into poor (<8) and good (≥8). Nutritional status was determined based on BMI-for-age using CDC 2000 growth charts and classified into three categories: underweight, normal, and overweight (combining overweight and obesity). The Fisher-Freeman-Halton Exact Test was used due to violated Chi-Square assumptions.
Results: The majority of respondents had normal nutritional status (62.5%), followed by overweight (29.2%) and underweight (8.3%). The mean score for hygiene level was 7.17 ± 2.10, with a range of 4 to 12. 21.4% of children with poor hygiene were overweight, 7.1% were underweight, and 71.4% had a normal nutritional condition. Of the children who practiced good hygiene, 10.0% were underweight, 40.0% were overweight, and 50.0% had normal nutritional status. Hygiene status and nutritional status did not significantly correlate, according to the Fisher-Freeman-Halton Exact Test (p = 0.3181).
Conclusion: No association was found between hygiene level and nutritional status in this study. This finding suggests that while hygiene may play a role, nutritional status is influenced by a complex interplay of dietary, socioeconomic, behavioral, and environmental factors that extend beyond hygiene practices alone.
Keywords: Body mass index, elementary school children, hygiene level, nutritional status
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.37905/jmhsj.v5i2.40665
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