KNOWLEDGE AND ECONOMIC STATUS ASSOCIATED WITH CHRONIC ENERGY DEFICIENCY AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN IN MUARA EMBURUNG

Abstract

Chronic Enegry Deficiency (CED) in pregnant women remains a nutritional problem that impacts maternal and fetal health. The incidence of CED can be influenced by various factors, including knowledge and economic status of pregnant women. Based on data from the Muara Emburung Community Health Center, pregnant women are still at risk of CED, necessitating research on factors related to the incidence of CED. This study aims to determine the relationship between knowledge and economic status of pregnant women and the incidence of Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED) in the Muara Emburung Community Health Center Work Area, Muara Enim Regency. This study used an analytical design with a cross-sectional approach. The study was conducted from November 24 to December 20, 2025, in the Muara Emburung Community Health Center Work Area. The population in this study were all pregnant women in their second and third trimesters within the community health center's work area. The study sample consisted of 63 respondents, selected using a purposive sampling technique. Data analysis was performed using univariate and bivariate analyses using the Chi-Square test. The results showed that among 63 respondents, 42 had poor knowledge, 13 had moderate knowledge, and 8 had good knowledge. A total of 42 respondents had economic status below the regional minimum wage, and 21 respondents had economic status equal to or above the regional minimum wage. Twenty-five respondents experienced CED, while 38 did not. The Chi-Square test showed a significant relationship between knowledge and CED (χ² = 16.372; p = 0.000) and between economic status and CED (χ² = 11.970; p = 0.001). The strength of the relationship between both variables was categorized as moderately strong. It is recommended that Muara Emburung Public Health Center improve nutrition education and routine CED screening among pregnant women to prevent early occurrence of CED.