Indonesian Journal of Medical Anthropology

Family Roles in Overcoming Picky Eating Children and Its Effect on Childs’ Nutrition Status

As Syifa Antonia — 2025-10-02

Nutritional status is a measuring scale based on the body's condition due to food consumption or nutritional intake. Picky eating is a behavior that often occurs in preschool children, which can affect the child's nutritional status. The role of parents is very influential in overcoming picky eaters. This study aimed to understand the role of the family in overcoming picky eater behavior in children and to measure the nutritional status of children with picky eater behavior at Kindergarten X Palembang. This study was qualitative research with a phenomenological approach. The informants were mothers of picky eating children based on CEBQ criteria. The data were collected using in-depth interviews and anthropometric measurements, and the data was analyzed quantitatively. This research found that parents played a role in trying to overcome picky eater behavior in children Including restrictive guidance, pressure to eat, rewarding food consumption materially, rewarding with praise, accessibility, however, their child's picky eater behavior was not resolved, and based on the results of anthropometric measurements, most children with picky eater behavior had normal nutritional status (64.7%). In comparison, 17.64% of children experience wasted nutritional status, 11.7% are severely wasted, and 5.8% are obese.

Water Consumption Habits Among The Faculty of Social Science and Political Sciences Students at The University of North Sumatera

Nanda Cyntia Dewi — 2025-10-02

Drinking water is an important part of maintaining body function and preventing health problems such as dehydration and kidney disease. However, this habit has not fully become a lifestyle, especially for students. This study aims to understand the habits, perceptions, and reasons for FISIP students at the University of North Sumatra (USU) in consuming water. This study used a qualitative method by collecting data through non-participant observation, in-depth interviews, literature studies, and documentation of six student informants and two medical expert informants. The results of the study showed diversity in the habits of drinking water consumption of student informants. Four of the six student informants consumed water according to WHO recommendations (2 liters/day), while the other two FISIP USU student informants consumed less than 2 liters/day. Student perceptions of water are positive, where FISIP USU student informants associate drinking water consumption with health benefits such as smooth digestion, kidney function, and concentration. The main reasons for FISIP USU student informants to consume water are health awareness, personal and family experiences, and social experiences. However, low taste preferences for water are still an obstacle to consumption behavior. This study shows the importance of ongoing education regarding healthy water consumption habits among students.

The Indonesian Orthodontists’ Perceptions about malocclusion and postural in Diagnosis

Ervina Sofyanti — 2025-10-02

The relationship between dental occlusion and posture remain controversial due to the lack of clear cause-and-effect evidence. Scientifically validated and reliable evidence can shape individuals' perceptions and influence their decisions regarding orthodontic treatment. This study aimed to conduct a survey to assess Indonesian orthodontists' perceptions regarding the relationship between malocclusion and posture (both oral and body posture) based on gender and years of professional experience. An online survey was conducted involving orthodontists who attended the Orthodontic Meeting in November based on a 7-item Likert scale modified questionnaire. Levene's test was performed continued with a prerequisite for the Multivariate Analysis of Variance test (p<0.05). The perceptions of 214 active members of the Indonesian Orthodontist Association showed a positive agreement regarding the relationship between malocclusion and posture (both oral and body). There was no significant interaction between gender and perception (p=0.417), nor between years of professional experience as an orthodontist and perception (p=0.182) regarding the relationship between malocclusion and posture. Since this survey-based analytical study found no interaction between gender and years of professional experience in orthodontists' agreement on the premise, these findings should be considered when updating the standard operating procedures curriculum for orthodontic diagnosis and multidisciplinary orthodontic approaches.

Keyword: Perception, Orthodontist, Malocclusion, Posture

Traditional Practice of Dompol Tongosan in Bone Fracture Treatment

Angreni Enjeli Nadeak — 2025-10-02

This study aims to explore a traditional healing practice known as dompol tongosan. The research was conducted in Humbang Hasundutan Regency, North Sumatra Province, and involved traditional healers (pandampol), patients who had undergone treatment, and community leaders as key participants. The findings reveal that the dompol tongosan practice carries strong sociocultural significance, not only as a form of physical therapy but also because of the spiritual power embedded within it. The intermediary media—such as leaves or oil—can provide healing only when blessed by the healer (pendampol). The community’s trust in this healing practice stems from their belief in its benevolent, effective, and affordable curative power.

Preliminary Investigation of the Use of the Andong Plant in the Local Community

Secillia Putri M A Sihombing — 2025-10-02

This study explores the cultural and spiritual significance of Cordyline fruticosa (andong) as a sacred plant in North Sumatra. Fieldwork was conducted in four separate sites, involving community leaders, elders, younger generations, and individuals with direct experiences of spiritual or healing practices using andong. Data were collected through in-depth interviews to examine (1) local beliefs in the plant’s spiritual power, (2) its use in warding off negative forces, (3) its role in traditional rituals and healing, and (4) changes in perception and practice over time. Findings reveal the multifaceted role of andong: beyond its aesthetic and medicinal value, it serves as a medium of spiritual protection and remains central to customary ceremonies. These insights highlight andong’s enduring place in local wisdom and its relevance to ethnobotanical and medical anthropological studies.

Tinuktuk, a Traditional Simalungun Food that Transcends Its Therapeutic Function

Jaka Solter Telaumbanua — 2025-10-02

This study examines tinuktuk, a traditional Simalungun herbal preparation, not only for its therapeutic uses but also for the social and cultural meanings embedded in its everyday practice. Fieldwork was conducted in two contrasting settings: the rural area where tinuktuk is historically produced and consumed, and an urban context where its presence has spread beyond the Simalungun ethnic group. More than a culinary specialty, tinuktuk represents a distinctive form of local wisdom. The knowledge of its ingredients and preparation is passed orally—predominantly from mothers to daughters—sustaining both its characteristic taste and the values of care and mutual responsibility across generations. This intergenerational transmission strengthens family ties while fostering an awareness of bodily care, from postpartum recovery to maintaining overall physical resilience. Beyond its role in women’s health, tinuktuk operates as a cultural symbol: an expression of maternal affection, a marker of communal solidarity, and a living heritage that interweaves traditional health practices with the Simalungun people’s collective identity.