Causes and Solutions of the Problem of Chronic Energy Lack in Coastal Area, Especially in Maligano Community Health Center, Selatan Konawe Regency

Chronic Energy Deficiency (KEK) is a condition in which the mother suffers from chronic or long-lasting malnutrition, which results in health problems for the mother. SEZ in pregnant women in 2019 was 17.9%. Based on these data, it can be concluded that there is an increase in the incidence of pregnant women with SEZ in Southeast Sulawesi. The percentage of pregnant women at risk of SEZ in South Konawe Regency, Southeast Sulawesi Province, in 2018 was 20.2%; in 2019, it was 23.8%; in 2020, it was 24.6%; and in 2021, it was 25.8%. SEZ cases in the Maligano Health Center work area are known to have a significant increase every year; where in 2018 it was found 23 (41.07%) cases from 56 visits by pregnant women; in 2019 found, 28 (47.45%) cases from 59 visits by pregnant women, 2020 found 19 (28.35%) cases from 67 visits by pregnant women, 2021 found 42 (55%) cases from 70 visits by pregnant women. The objective of the research was to find out what are the causes and solutions to the problem of chronic energy shortages in coastal areas, especially at the Maligano Public Health Center, South Konawe Regency. This type of research is quantitative, using a Cross-Sectional Study design. It is known from the results of the Chi-Square test that the value of 9.092 is greater than the X2 table, so it can be concluded that there is a significant relationship between Gravidity and Chronic Energy Deficiency and the Phi value of 0.514, which means it has a moderate relationship. Chronic Energy Deficiency is a problem that currently occurs in many coastal areas where enabling factors include education, income, employment, health service facilities and local culture. Other causative factors, such as the first pregnancy or more than 4 pregnancies, can also allow the occurrence of SEZ. It is recommended to continue to carry out special monitoring in the coastal area related to the management and spatial planning of settlements and health services. Monitoring and reviewing the number of health workers and the population in coastal areas by involving the Community Health Center. And the Community Health Center (Puskesmas) is obliged to screen all pregnant women at risk of SEZ and be more intense in providing education to coastal communities regarding the importance of nutrition for pregnant women, with well-nourished mothers having the potential for children to be born in good health and avoid stunting.