Comparison of Anthropometry and cognitive performance in children aged 6-12 years before and after being educated by Integrated Health Care Centre (Posyandu) Cadres

Abstract

Growth and development is a process of change that occurs at the age of children. Growth shows the meaning of quantitative changes, increases in size and structure, while development is a continuous progress, as well as coherent changes. Malnourished children have tissue damage, body growth retardation, and global brain development disorders that will affect children's cognitive function, especially the frontal cortex. This research was a quasi-experimental study with a non-equivalent control group pretest posttest design where the researcher provided interventions in the form of formation and training of cadres who care about growth and development and use of growth and development applications. This research was conducted on posyandu health cadres and mothers with children aged 6 to 12 years in the working area of the public health centrein Deli Serdang Regency, North Sumatra. The aim of the study was determine the growth of children used certain parameters, one of them is anthropometric measurements and cognitive performance.. Most simple growth appraisal and frequently used are body weight (BW), height (H), head circumference (HC), and body mass index (BMI). There was no relationship between anthropometry and MMSE scores. There is a significant relationship between anthropometry and Mini Mental Stage Examination (MMSE) based on age.