The Relationship between snacking preferences and Diet and the Nutritional Status of SMK Negeri 3 Pematangsiantar Students

The result of General Health Research of 2018 shows the prevalence of nutritional status in the age group of 16-18 years old in Pematangsaintar. 11.67% of this age group in underweight category and 13.67% are in overweight category. Pematangsiantar is the city with second-most number of underweight category in North Sumatera Province. Malnutrition can be caused by snacking preferences and diet.
Purpose: The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between snacking preferences and diet, and the nutritional status of students of SMK Negeri 3 Pematangsiantar.
Methods: This is an observational research with cross-sectional research design. The study was conducted in SMK Negeri 3 Pematangsiantar, North Sumatra in September-October 2022 with a sample of 60 students. The sampling method used is total sampling technique. Data was obtained directly using anthropometric measurements and questionnaire. Bivariate analysis was conducted using Spearman rank test, while multivariate analysis was conducted with multiple linear regression analysis.
Results: The results show that snacking preferences of most students is in the inadequate category (51.70%). Students’ diet is in inadequate category (51.70%). Nutritional status of the students is inadequate (43.30%) Spearman’s rank test shows that there is a significant relationship between snacking preferences and diet, and the nutritional status. It also shows that there is a significant relationship between diet and nutritional status (p=0.000, 0.000). Multiple linear regression test shows that there is a significant relationship between snacking preferences and diet, and the nutritional status of the students with Y = -3.312 + 0.007 +0.045 (p=0.000)
Conclusions: It can be concluded that there is a relationship between snacking preferences and diet, and the nutritional status of SMK Negeri 3 Pematangsiantar students. Diet is also the most dominant factor affecting nutritional status.