The study followed 80 housewives over ten weeks in two peri-urban communities around Medan City, North Sumatra. Housewives were selected because they play a central role in managing household food choices. Half of the participants joined a structured community-based nutrition intervention, while the rest formed a comparison group that continued with routine health services. The results show that relatively simple, locally grounded nutrition programs can deliver measurable health benefits in a short time.
Why diet quality is a growing public health issue
Indonesia, like many developing countries, is experiencing a nutritional transition. Traditional diets rich in local foods are increasingly replaced by meals high in sugar, salt, fat, and ultra-processed ingredients. This shift contributes to rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Peri-urban areas are especially vulnerable. These communities sit between rural and urban life, often with limited food access, lower nutrition literacy, and strong pressure from urban consumption patterns.
Community-based nutrition programs are gaining attention because they focus on real-life eating habits, local food availability, and social dynamics within households. Instead of relying only on national policy or individual counseling, these programs work directly with communities to encourage healthier choices that fit daily routines and cultural norms.
How the research was conducted
Berlin Sitanggang used a mixed-methods, quasi-experimental design, combining numerical data with in-depth interviews. The study involved:
· 80 housewives, aged 20–55
· 40 participants in the intervention group and 40 in a control group
· Ten weeks of activities in the intervention group
The intervention included three main components:
1. Nutrition education on balanced diets and healthy food choices
2. Local food–based cooking demonstrations, showing how affordable ingredients can be prepared in healthier ways
3. Ongoing assistance from community health cadres, who provided mentoring and encouragement
Diet quality was measured using dietary quality and food diversity scores, while health outcomes were assessed through body mass index and upper arm circumference. Qualitative interviews captured participants’ experiences, motivations, and challenges.
Clear improvements in diet quality and food diversity
The results show a strong positive impact of the community-based nutrition program. Participants in the intervention group significantly improved both the quality and diversity of their diets compared to the control group.
Key findings include:
· Diet Quality Index increased by more than 16 points in the intervention group
· Food diversity scores rose sharply, indicating more balanced daily meals
· Changes in the control group were small and not statistically significant
These improvements reflect a shift away from monotonous meals toward more varied combinations of vegetables, fruits, and protein sources. Participants reported becoming more confident in choosing and combining foods, even with limited household budgets.
Measurable health benefits after ten weeks
Better diets translated into better health indicators. The study found significant improvements in nutritional status among participants who received the intervention.
Notable outcomes:
· Average body mass index decreased, suggesting better energy balance
· Upper arm circumference increased, indicating improved nutritional status
Participants also reported feeling healthier in daily life. Many described having more energy and feeling less easily fatigued after adopting new eating habits. These physiological changes support the idea that community nutrition programs can deliver real public health gains, not just increased knowledge.
Local food and empowerment drive sustainable change
A key strength of the program was its focus on local food. Ingredients that were once seen as ordinary or less valuable were reframed as nutritious and practical options for daily meals. This approach made healthy eating more affordable and culturally acceptable.
The study also highlights the importance of community empowerment. Health cadres and peer support played a critical role in maintaining motivation and consistency. Participants emphasized that learning by doing—especially through cooking demonstrations—was more effective than lectures alone.
As Sitanggang explains, participants did not just learn what healthy food is; they learned how to prepare it in their own kitchens using familiar ingredients. This practical knowledge helped bridge the gap between information and behavior.
Challenges remain, but motivation is strong
Despite positive results, the research identified ongoing challenges. Time constraints, domestic workloads, and family members’ old eating habits sometimes made it difficult to maintain changes. However, most participants expressed strong motivation to continue healthier practices, especially after experiencing personal health benefits.
Community mentoring emerged as a key factor in sustaining progress. Shared reminders, group discussions, and social encouragement helped participants stay committed even when daily routines became demanding.
Implications for public health policy and practice
The findings suggest that community-based nutrition interventions are effective promotive and preventive strategies, particularly in peri-urban settings. For policymakers and public health planners, the study provides evidence that locally adapted programs can improve diet quality and health outcomes without expensive or complex infrastructure.
The research supports:
· Scaling up community nutrition programs through local health centers
· Integrating local food systems into public health strategies
· Strengthening community empowerment and long-term mentoring
These insights are especially relevant for regions facing rising diet-related diseases and limited healthcare resources.
Author profile
Berlin Sitanggang, S.Gz., M.Kes. is a public health nutrition scholar at Poltekkes Kemenkes Medan, Indonesia. His expertise focuses on community-based nutrition, diet quality improvement, and promotive–preventive public health strategies, particularly in vulnerable and peri-urban populations.
Source
Journal Article Title: Community-Based Nutrition Intervention Strategies for Improving Dietary Quality and Public Health Outcomes
Journal: Formosa Journal of Science and Technology
Publication Year: 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/fjst.v5i1.396
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