THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GADGET ADDICTION AND FEEDING PRACTICES AND NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF PRESCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN

Abstract

Introduction: The nutritional well-being of preschool children is affected by parental influences, such as feeding habits and the use of gadgets to distract during meals. This study aimed to examine the link between gadget addiction and feeding habits, as well as the connection between gadget addiction and the nutritional status of preschoolers. Method: This correlational study employed a cross-sectional approach, involving 210 mother-child pairs from five villages in Karangbinangun District, Lamongan Regency. A total of 125 pairs were chosen using stratified random sampling. Gadget addiction and feeding habits were the independent variables, while nutritional status (weight-for-age and height-for-age) was the dependent variable. This study used a gadget addiction questionnaire, the Child Feeding Questionnaire (CFQ), weight scales, and a microtoise. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics and Spearman’s correlation test, with a significance threshold of p ≤ 0.05. Results: There was no significant link between gadget addiction and feeding habits (p = 0.474; r = –0.065). Similarly, no association was found between gadget addiction and nutritional status based on weight-for-age (p = 0.131; r = –0.136) or height-for-age (p = 0.722; r = 0.032). Most children with minimal gadget use demonstrated suitable feeding habits and normal nutritional status. Discussion:  The lack of significant associations suggests that low-to-moderate gadget use does not affect feeding habits or nutritional outcomes. Environmental and familial factors other than gadget exposure may influence the nutritional status of children. These results highlight the importance of educating parents on proper gadget use, responsive feeding practices, and regular growth monitoring.