ABSTRACT
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FOOD COPING STRATEGIES AND ANXIETY SYMPTOMS AMONG FAMILIES RECEIVING FREE NUTRITIOUS MEALS
AT MIT BINA PUTERA CENDIKIA PONOROGO
By : Al-mar’atur Roihatuz Zahrotul Jannah
Email : almaratur15@gmail.com
Food coping strategies are adaptive efforts used by families to meet their food needs when facing limited food access. Continuous reliance on these strategies may increase psychological distress and contribute to the development of anxiety symptoms. This study aimed to examine the relationship between food coping strategies and anxiety symptoms among families receiving the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) Program at Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Terpadu Bina Putera Cendikia Ponorogo.
A quantitative cross-sectional design was used with 125 respondents selected through purposive sampling. Food coping strategies were measured using the Food Coping Strategies Scale (FCSS), while anxiety symptoms were assessed with the PROMIS Anxiety Short Form 4a. Data were analyzed using the Spearman Rank correlation test.
Most respondents showed moderate food coping strategies and mild anxiety symptoms. A significant relationship was found between food coping strategies and anxiety symptoms (p = 0.001; α < 0.05), with a moderate correlation (r = 0,683). These findings indicate that greater reliance on food coping strategies is associated with a higher tendency to experience anxiety symptoms, highlighting the need to strengthen household food security and psychosocial support for MBG recipient families.
Keywords: Food Coping Strategies, Anxiety Symptoms, Free Nutritious Meal Program, Food Security.