THE IMPACT OF WORKING MOTHERS ON CHILDREN’S NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND IMMUNIZATION

Abstract

Background: Indonesian culture tends to place greater responsibility for childcare on the mother. In this modern era, economic needs are increasing, forcing mothers to work to meet the demands of life. Mothers with dual roles, often known as working mothers, are those who, in addition to household responsibilities, also have responsibilities outside the home. Aim: To analyze the impact of working mothers on children's nutritional status and immunization status. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional approach with a total sample of 120 mothers whose children were treated at Kuningan Private Hospital, West Java. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test. Results: There is a relationship between maternal employment status and child immunization status with a p-value of 0.036 <0.05. There is no relationship between maternal employment status and child nutritional status with a p-value of 0.204 >0.05. Conclusions: Housewives pay more attention to the completeness of their children's immunizations than working mothers. A mother's education level influences her knowledge and awareness of the importance of good nutrition for her child. Mothers with higher education tend to have toddlers with better nutritional status due to their greater knowledge of balanced nutrition and proper feeding practices.