Association Between Energy and Macronutrient Intake and Nutritional Status Among Adolescents at Panti Asuhan Bumi Nusantara, Bengkulu City, 2025
Adolescence is a critical transitional period characterized by rapid growth, hormonal changes, and increased nutritional requirements that significantly influence nutritional status. This study aimed to determine the relationship between energy intake and macronutrient intake (protein, fat, and carbohydrates) and the nutritional status of adolescents residing at Panti Asuhan Bumi Nusantara, Kota Bengkulu, in 2025. A quantitative analytical study with a cross-sectional design was conducted in June 2025. A total of 30 adolescents aged 15–18 years were recruited through purposive sampling. Energy and macronutrient intakes were assessed using a 24-hour food recall interview and converted using the Indonesian Food Composition Table, while nutritional status was determined using the body mass index-for-age (BMI-for-age) z-score based on WHO standards via WHO AnthroPlus. Data were analyzed using univariate analysis; normality, linearity, and homogeneity tests; and bivariate analysis using linear regression. The mean energy intake was 1,850 kcal/day against a recommended allowance of 2,150 kcal/day; 40.0% of respondents had insufficient energy intake, 43.3% had adequate intake, and 16.7% had excessive intake. Nutritional status assessment showed that 30.0% were thin, 50.0% were normal, and 20.0% were overweight. Significant relationships were observed between energy intake (p = 0.028), protein intake (p = 0.018), fat intake (p = 0.002), and carbohydrate intake (p = 0.001) and nutritional status. In conclusion, energy and macronutrient intakes are significantly associated with adolescent nutritional status in the orphanage setting, highlighting the need for nutritionally balanced menu planning and dietary monitoring to optimize adolescent growth and development.
