Nutritional Status & Gross Motor Skills: A Study of the Suku Anak Dalam in Indonesia

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between nutritional status and gross motor skills among Suku Anak Dalam (SAD) children in Jambi Province, Indonesia. This research employed a correlational study with a cross-sectional design. The population consisted of SAD children in Sarolangun Regency, with a purposive sample of 30 participants. Data were collected using anthropometric measurements to assess nutritional status and the Pre-Screening Developmental Questionnaire (KPSP) to evaluate gross motor skills. The findings demonstrated a significant correlation between nutritional status and gross motor development among SAD children. Children with poor nutritional status exhibited delayed motor growth and development, whereas those with adequate nutrition achieved better physical fitness and overall health. These results highlight the crucial role of balanced nutrition in optimizing child development, suggesting that parents should pay closer attention to their children’s dietary intake to support healthy growth.