Compliance Behavior Of Elementary School Children In Mbg Programs: A Study Of Individual And Environmental Determinants

Abstract

Nutritional problems among elementary school children remain a health challenge in Indonesia. To address this, the government launched the Free Nutritious Meal Program (MBG) in 2025 to improve nutritional status and human resource quality. This study aims to analyze factors associated with student compliance behavior in participating in the MBG ProgramThe study used a quantitative approach with a cross-sectional design. Data were analyzed using the Chi-Square test and Multiple Logistic Regression with a significance level of p < 0.05. The results showed that motivation and preferences (p = 0.006) and parental support (p = 0.007) were significantly associated with student compliance with the MBG Program. Meanwhile, nutritional knowledge (p = 1.000), attitudes (p = 0.312), MBG menu quality (p = 0.195), health promotion support (p = 0.235), and school support (p = 0.203) did not show significant relationships. It was concluded that the success of the MBG Program is more influenced by student motivation and parental support. Therefore, increasing the effectiveness of the program needs to be focused on strengthening student motivation, getting used to healthy eating patterns, and increasing the role of parents through collaboration with schools and health workers