Biscuits Substitution with Tempe and Catfish Flour Increase Birth Weight of Infants Born from Mothers with Chronic Energy Deficiency

Abstract

Chronic energy deficiency (CED) and anemia in pregnant women, is still a significant public health problem in Indonesia. CED on pregnant women the risk of low birth weight on newborn. Tempe and catfish are available for daily consumption and rich in protein and Fe but has been understudied to prevent low birth weight in pregnant mothers with CED Objective: The study aims to investigate the effect of biscuits substitution from mixed soybean fermentation (Tempe) and catfish flour in increasing birth weight of infants born from mothers with CED. Methods: This was quasi-experimental design involving 62 pregnant mothers in third trimester, but 10 mothers discontinued participation. At the follow-up study, the intervention group comprised 26 mothers, whereas the control group included 26 mothers. The intervention group received daily biscuits substitution from mixed tempe and catfish flour (70 grams) during 60 days, whereas the control group received daily supplementary feeding according to the national standard. The research subject was monitored until delivery. MUAC and hemoglobin were remeasured at the end of the intervention (60 days). The data from both groups compared using independent sample t-test. Results: The average of infant birth weight in the intervention group (3163.46; 414.622) was higher than the control group (2680.77; 521.551), p 0.001. Biscuits substitution with soy bean fermented (tempe) and catfish flour increased the birth weight of infants born from mothers with CED and anemia. Therefore, these biscuits should be promoted to prevent low birth weight in babies born from mothers with CED and anemia.