Studi Kualitatif: Fenomena Orang Tua Penyandang Disabilitas Daksa dalam Pemenuhan Gizi Balita

Abstract

Toddlerhood is a golden period requiring optimal nutrition. Parents with physical disabilities often face societal doubts regarding their feeding practices. This study aims to explore the phenomenon of parents with physical disabilities in fulfilling toddler nutrition. Utilizing a qualitative descriptive phenomenological design, data were collected from four participants via purposive sampling through in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation. Data were analyzed using the Colaizzi method. The findings revealed three themes integrated with the Health Belief Model (HBM): (1) Nutritional fulfillment forms driven by perceived susceptibility and severity of malnutrition; (2) Strategies to overcome perceived barriers using cues to action, such as protein substitution and digital parenting; (3) Parenting meanings reflecting high perceived benefits and self-efficacy (mental resilience). Obstacles stemmed mostly from economic factors and children's behavioral resistance (picky eating), not physical limitations. In conclusion, parents demonstrated strong dedication despite physical limitations. This study serves as a foundation for inclusive community nursing programs and empowering families with disabilities. The objective of this study is to explore and understand the phenomenon of parents with physical disabilities in fulfilling the nutritional needs of toddlers. This study utilized a qualitative research method with a descriptive phenomenological approach. The participant selection in this study used a purposive sampling technique. The number of participants in this study was four individuals who met the criteria. Data collection techniques in this study were conducted through technique triangulation (in-depth face-to-face interviews, observation, and documentation) using a voice recorder. The data analysis used in this study was the Colaizzi phenomenological method. This research was conducted at the house of the participants, Jember Regency. The results of this study obtained three major themes: the forms and characteristics of fulfilling toddler nutrition, the efforts and strategies to overcome barriers, and the meaning and subjective experiences of parents. These results illustrate that the participants have an excellent understanding of the importance of nutrition as the foundation of the immune system and brain intelligence, and they have a high fear of the threat of stunting or malnutrition in their toddlers. The main obstacle felt was not the mobility limitations of their physical disabilities, but rather external factors such as family financial difficulties, children's behavioral resistance (closed-mouth movement/GTM), as well as environmental exposure to junk food snacks. In overcoming these various barriers, the strategies implemented by parents with physical disabilities include utilizingaffordable protein substitute ingredients (such as tofu, tempeh, and eggs), modifying food shapes to trick children's refusal of vegetables, using affirmative and persuasive approaches without physical coercion when feeding, and utilizing digital literacy (digital parenting) as a distraction medium during children's tantrums. The meaning of this parenting shows a very strong level of mental resilience from parents, high dedication over physical limitations, and the hope that their children will grow up to be physically independent and resilient. This study can be used as knowledge and a foundational input for community nursing services, the Social Services Department, and the PERPENCA Foundation. An increased understanding of this phenomenon is expected to optimize assistance programs, healthy diet education, and the empowerment of families with disabilities in an inclusive and sustainable manner.