| dc.description.abstract | Adolescents are a vulnerable age group for nutritional problems due to increasing nutrient demands during growth. One of the factors influencing nutritional status is breakfast habits and macronutrient intake, including energy, carbohydrates, fat, and protein. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between breakfast habits and macronutrient intake with the nutritional status of students at SMP Negeri 18 Medan. This was a descriptive analytic study with a cross-sectional approach. A total of 66 students were selected using stratified random sampling. Data were collected through a breakfast habit questionnaire, 2x24-hour food recall interviews, and anthropometric measurements (BMI-for-age). Data were analyzed using the Spearman Rank test. The results showed that most students had normal nutritional status (60,6%), moderate breakfast habits (47,0%), and adequate macronutrient intake. A significant relationship was found between breakfast habits and nutritional status (p = 0,01), as well as between energy, carbohydrate, fat, and protein intake with nutritional status (p = 0,01). Students with sufficient breakfast habits and macronutrient intake tended to have better nutritional status, while inadequate intake was associated with undernutrition. These findings highlight the importance of healthy eating behavior and nutritional education in improving adolescent nutritional status. It is recommended that schools and families actively promote healthy eating habits from an early age. | en_US |
