Behavioral and Social Factors Influencing Sweetened Condensed Milk Consumption in Toddlers in Semarang

Abstract

Background: Continuous consumption of sweetened condensed milk can in
hibit the optimal growth and development of children aged 1-3 years. These 
consumption habits in toddlers impact their nutritional status, including the 
risk of being overweight, obese, and undernourished. This study aims to deter
mine the determinants of sweetened condensed milk consumption in toddlers 
from a behavioral and social perspective in the Sekaran and Bandarharjo Health 
Center Area, Semarang City. 
Methods: This study employs quantitative research with observational and ana
lytical methods, utilizing cross-sectional approaches. The respondents in this 
study were 100 toddlers residing in Sekaran and Bandarharjo Health Centers, 
Semarang City. The sampling technique employed was purposive sampling, and 
data analysis was conducted using univariate analysis with frequency distribu
tion, bivariate analysis with the Pearson statistical test or Spearman Rank cor
relation (α = 5%), and multivariate analysis with logistic regression. 
Results: Approximately 35.8% of children had been provided with sweetened 
condensed milk for no less than twelve months, while 41.2% were reported 
to consume it three or more times within a single day. The elevated intake of 
sweetened condensed milk observed in this study demonstrated a statistically 
significant correlation with lower maternal educational attainment (p = 0.028). 
Notably, although 51.0% of surveyed mothers acknowledged that sweetened 
condensed milk is a sugar-laden beverage with added milk content, it is still 
administered to toddlers. 
Conclusions: In conclusion, despite over half of mothers recognizing sweet
ened condensed milk as a sugar-rich beverage with added milk, its frequent 
administration to toddlers—often three or more times daily and sustained for 
over a year—is significantly associated with lower maternal education levels, 
highlighting a critical gap in nutritional awareness and practice. The consump
tion of sweetened condensed milk among toddlers remains relatively high, and 
this elevated intake is influenced by maternal education