THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RANDOM SNACKING HABITS AND INCIDENCES OF DIARRHEA IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL KIDS

Abstract

This study looks at the connection between snack eating habits and diarrhea in elementary school kids. It's based on how important it is for kids to have safe and hygienic snacking habits to stay healthy. The research used a quantitative approach with a cross sectional design. There were forty fourth grade students from a primary school in Palembang, chosen using total sampling. Data came from questionnaires to check snack eating patterns and diarrhea cases, and then were analyzed descriptively and with a Chi Square test to see the link between the two. The results showed twenty five students sixty two point five percent had good snacking habits, and twenty one students fifty two point five percent didn’t get diarrhea. The Chi Square test results showed a p value of zero point seven four three, so no statistically significant relationship was found between snack consumption patterns and the occurrence of diarrhea among the study respondents. These findings provide information about snack consumption patterns and diarrhea occurrences in school age children and suggest the need to consider other factors, such as food hygiene, sanitation, and handwashing habits, in future research. Practically, education about choosing safe snacks and practicing clean and healthy living habits needs to be continuously promoted through the involvement of students, parents, and schools. This study provides an empirical picture of the relationship between snack consumption patterns and diarrhea occurrences in the context of elementary school students.