Parental feeding practices, maternal nutrition knowledge, and children’s eating habits as predictors of acceptance of the free nutritious meal programme in Indonesia

Abstract

Malnutrition among Indonesian school-aged children remains a dual challenge, with undernutrition and increasing overweight occurring simultaneously. The free nutritious meal (FNM) programme aimed to address these issues, yet its effectiveness may depend on family-related behavioural factors. This study examined how parental feeding practices and maternal nutrition knowledge influence children’s eating habits and acceptance of the FNM programme, with nutritional status assessed as a moderating factor. A crosssectional study was conducted among 100 Grade 5–6 students (54 boys and 46 girls) and their mothers from two public elementary schools in Bogor, West Java, participating in the FNM programme. Data were collected using validated questionnaires and anthropometric measurements. Multiple linear regression and moderated mediation analysis (PROCESS Model 7) were applied. Maternal feeding practices (β = 0.15, p = 0.020) and maternal nutrition knowledge (β = 0.20, p = 0.010) were significant predictors of children’s eating habits. Eating habits strongly predicted children’s acceptance of FNM meals (β = 0.30, p < 0.001). Nutritional status moderated this association (β = 0.12, p = 0.030), with undernourished children showing greater acceptance of programme meals. Although the explained variance was modest (R² = 4–10%), this is expected given the multifactorial nature of dietary behaviour. These findings highlighted the behavioural pathways linking parental feeding, maternal knowledge, and eating habits to programme engagement. Strengthening parental nutrition education alongside culturally appropriate menu design may enhance FNM acceptance and support long-term nutrition improvement among Indonesian school children.