Keterlibatan Ayah dalam Meningkatkan Gizi Anak: Tinjauan Sistematis

Fathers' Involvement in Improving Children's Nutrition: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Child nutrition remains a persistent challenge in many developing countries, including Indonesia. Although evidence shows that fathers significantly influence child health and development, their role in child nutrition is often underestimated. This systematic review aimed to understand the various forms of father involvement in child nutrition, both directly and indirectly. Following PRISMA guidelines, articles were systematically searched from PubMed and Scopus databases. The PICO framework was used to guide study selection, focusing on fathers who actively participated in child feeding versus those who did not, and measuring outcomes related to children’s dietary intake and quality. Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing diverse regions such as Africa, Australia, the United States, and Europe. Forms of father involvement identified included helping with complementary feeding, participating in food decisions, offering emotional support, and modeling healthy eating at home. The findings consistently showed that active father participation had a positive impact on children’s nutrition, especially in promoting consumption of nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, and proteins. However, cultural norms, limited nutritional knowledge, and systemic barriers often restricted father engagement. Supportive factors included nutrition education, family-based interventions, and the use of technology to reach fathers more effectively. This review underscores the importance of including fathers in child nutrition interventions. Addressing cultural and structural barriers through inclusive policies and innovative strategies can enhance paternal involvement, ultimately improving family nutrition and child health outcomes.