ISU PEMAKANAN TIDAK SEIMBANG KANAK-KANAK: PERANAN KELUARGA DAN STATUS SOSIOEKONOMI
The Issue of Imbalanced Nutrition Among Children: The Role of Family and Socioeconomic Status
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37231/apj.2026.9.1.783Abstract
Abstract: Balanced nutrition constitutes a critical determinant in supporting physical growth, cognitive development, and overall well-being among children, particularly those aged between one and thirteen years in Malaysia. Adequate and high-quality nutrient intake not only facilitates optimal growth but also enhances immune function and improves academic performance. This study aims to identify the underlying factors contributing to nutritional imbalances among children. A systematic literature review approach was employed to critically evaluate and synthesize findings from previous studies addressing issues related to childhood nutritional deficiencies. A total of 34 articles were analyzed, leading to the identification of two primary factors: family influence and socioeconomic status. The findings reveal that the family plays a pivotal role in shaping children’s dietary habits, while socioeconomic status significantly influences access to and the quality of nutritious food. These factors collectively contribute to disparities in nutritional outcomes among children. Accordingly, this study underscores the necessity for further research that incorporates socio-cultural contexts, economic determinants, and relevant public policies. The findings provide a foundational basis for the development of targeted and effective intervention strategies aimed at ensuring equitable access to balanced and high-quality nutrition, thereby supporting the holistic development of children.
Keywords: Nutritional Imbalance; Child Nutrition; Family Influence; Socioeconomic Background; Dietary Factors in Children.
Abstrak: Pemakanan seimbang merupakan elemen penting dalam menyokong pertumbuhan fizikal, perkembangan kognitif serta kesejahteraan menyeluruh kanak-kanak, khususnya dalam kalangan mereka yang berumur antara satu hingga tiga belas tahun di Malaysia. Pengambilan nutrisi yang mencukupi dan berkualiti bukan sahaja membantu pertumbuhan yang sihat, malah memperkukuh sistem imun dan meningkatkan prestasi pembelajaran. Kajian ini bertujuan untuk mengenal pasti faktor yang menyumbang kepada ketidakseimbangan pemakanan dalam kalangan kanak-kanak. Pendekatan ulasan literatur secara menyeluruh telah digunakan bagi menilai dan mensintesis penemuan daripada kajian lepas berkaitan isu kekurangan nutrisi kanak-kanak. Hasil analisis terhadap 34 artikel telah mengenal pasti dua faktor utama, iaitu peranan keluarga dan status sosioekonomi. Dapatan menunjukkan bahawa keluarga mempunyai pengaruh besar dalam membentuk tabiat pemakanan kanak-kanak, manakala status sosioekonomi menentukan tahap akses dan kualiti makanan berkhasiat yang diperoleh. Justeru, kajian ini menekankan keperluan penyelidikan lanjut yang mengambil kira konteks sosio-budaya, faktor ekonomi serta dasar kerajaan yang berkaitan. Penemuan kajian ini menyediakan asas penting untuk pembangunan strategi intervensi yang berkesan dalam memastikan setiap kanak-kanak mendapat pemakanan yang seimbang dan berkualiti bagi perkembangan menyeluruh mereka.
Kata kunci: Pemakanan Tidak Seimbang; Faktor Pemakanan Kanak-Kanak; Peranan Keluarga; Status Sosioekonomi; Pemakanan Kanak-Kanak.
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