Protein intake and number of children associated with nutritional status.

OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the association between protein intake and number of children in a family, based on nutritional status of children aged 2 to 12 years of age. Methods This was a cross-sectional study with consecutive sampling. Weight and height were measured, and the 24-hour food recall was gathered with a questionnaire. Nutritional status was assessed using weight-for-age curve of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) growth chart. Protein intake was assessed using NutriSurvey. Data were analysed with chi-square test. RESULTS There were 99 children, 52 girls and 47 boys. From these, 57 (57.6%) were undernourished and 42 (42.4%) subjects had a good nutritional status. Sixty-five (65.6%) children had poor protein intake, while 34 (34.3%) had adequate protein intake. There was no association between protein intake and nutritional status (p = 0.805) or number of children in the family and nutritional status (p = 0.414). The principal protein source was squid, but squid is often sold for additional income. CONCLUSIONS The nutritional status of children in Pero Konda Village could be considered undernourished. There was no association between protein intake and number of children based on nutritional status. The villagers had poor dietary habits, so good dietary habits should be promoted.