Application of Complementary Therapy as an Effort to Mitigate Health Crisis from Malnutrition Risk Factors in Vulnerable Groups

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Among the elderly population in rural Puducherry, India, the prevalence of malnutrition was found to be 17.9%, and about 58.8% were at risk of malnutrition (Krishnamoorthy et al., 2018).In Indonesia, the prevalence of malnutrition among community-dwelling older adults is high, with moderate prevalence of inadequate nutrient intake (Dewiasty et al., 2022).Unfortunately, there is no specific data on malnutrition in older adults in Indonesia.
Despite advancements in healthcare and nutrition science, malnutrition persists due to multifaceted causes ranging from socio-economic factors to healthcare accessibility (Chattopadhyay et al., 2023;Rahut et al., 2023).Recent studies highlight the potential of complementary therapies, such as acupressure and probiotics, alongside traditional nutritional interventions in addressing malnutrition (Irma et al., 2023;Lu et al., 2023;Muflih et al., 2023).However, there remains a gap in comprehensive approaches that integrate these therapies specifically for vulnerable populations at the community level.(Pérez et al., 2023;Williams & Berkley, 2018).
The theoretical framework for this study is grounded in the holistic health model, which posits that health and wellness result from the complex interplay between physical, environmental, and psychological factors (Enssle & Kabisch, 2020;Gallego-Méndez et al., 2020).

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The study population consisted of vulnerable groups, specifically families with toddlers (n=24) and the elderly (n=19), along with their adult caregivers.
This analysis extends the discourse by emphasizing the importance of a holistic and integrated approach to addressing malnutrition and its underlying causes.By focusing on both the immediate needs for better nutrition and the systemic issues that hinder access to adequate healthcare and economic stability, the intervention showcases a blueprint for sustainable health improvements (Padda et al., 2024).The significant uplift in food security is particularly noteworthy, as it directly tackles the pressing issue of

CONCLUSIONS AND SUGGESTIONS
The study successfully demonstrated and the elderly.Nearly half of deaths among children under 5 years of age are linked to undernutrition, with an estimated 149 million children under the age of 5 years suffering from stunting, while 37 million were overweight or obese (World Health children under five years of age in Sleman hunger and nutritional adequacy, which is fundamental for the physical and cognitive development of children and the overall health of the elderly(Bublitz et al., 2019).This comprehensive strategy, which includes educational components alongside practical support, ensures that the benefits of improved dietary practices extend beyond the duration of the intervention, embedding healthier choices into the daily lives of the community members.Moreover, the intervention's positive impact on socio-economic status cannot be overstated.By providing employment support and financial education, it addresses the root causes of food insecurity and poor health outcomes, empowering families to break the cycle of poverty and malnutrition(Pollard & Booth, 2019).This approach resonates with the broader literature, which consistently highlights the interconnection between socio-economic factors and health disparities.Enhancing the economic resilience of families ensures that they are better equipped to afford nutritious foods, access healthcare, and invest in the well-being of their members, thereby creating a foundation for long-term health and prosperity(Chattopadhyay et al., 2023).Access to healthcare emerged as another critical area of improvement, underscoring the multifaceted nature of malnutrition and its risk factors.Reducing barriers to healthcare-whether they be financial, geographical, or informational-plays a pivotal role in preventing and managing malnutrition and its associated conditions.The intervention's success in this domain illustrates the importance of creating an inclusive health system that can reach and support the most vulnerable segments of the population.It echoes the findings of previous studies that emphasize the need for comprehensive health services that are sensitive to the socio-economic realities of the communities they serve (Zolotarjova et al., 2018; Von Salmuth et al., 2021; Lindner-Rabl et al., 2022, has proven to be a valuable addition to conventional nutritional interventions.This aligns with findings the potential of complementary therapies in enhancing the overall effectiveness of nutritional programs (Muflih et al., 2023).Our study extends this understanding by demonstrating that when these therapies are integrated into and underlying causes of malnutrition.Future research should focus on long-term sustainability of these interventions and their scalability to other vulnerable populations, taking into account the unique socio-economic and cultural contexts of different communities.Following the positive outcomes from the intervention, our future plan involves scaling the initiative to reach a broader segment of the community, ensuring that more vulnerable groups benefit from the enhanced access to nutrition and healthcare services.The evidence from this study underscores the effectiveness of a holistic approach, integrating nutritional interventions with complementary therapies, in addressing the multifaceted challenges of malnutrition among families with toddlers and the elderly.Therefore, we aim to collaborate with local health authorities and community organizations to embed these interventions into existing public health programs, fostering a sustainable model of community health improvement.Moreover, recognizing the critical role of education in sustaining these health gains, we plan to develop and disseminate educational materials tailored to different segments of the community.These materials will focus on promoting dietary diversity, understanding the importance of micronutrient intake, and navigating healthcare access.Additionally, we will leverage digital platforms to expand our reach, offering online workshops and support groups that provide ongoing education and encouragement for caregivers and families.By building on the foundation laid by this study, we aim to create a resilient community where access to nutritious food, healthcare, and socio- improvement in the nutritional and health status of families with toddlers and the elderly.The holistic approach not only enhanced access to nutritious food and healthcare but also improved socio-economic conditions, dietary diversity, and micronutrient intake, indicating the effectiveness of combining nutritional education, economic support, and complementary therapies in a community setting.The positive outcomes suggest that similar integrated interventions can be applied to other vulnerable populations to address malnutrition effectively.It is crucial for future programs to focus on the sustainability and scalability of such interventions, ensuring that improvements in nutritional status are maintained over time.Additionally, further research should explore the long-term impacts of these interventions, particularly in diverse socioeconomic and cultural contexts, to better understand how to tailor strategies to different communities' needs.Suggestions for policymakers and health practitioners include adopting a reducing malnutrition and improving public health outcomes.

Table 1 . characteristics of the vulnerable groups (toddlers and the elderly) and their caregivers of their family No.
Gender distribution was approximately equal across both groups.A significant portion of the population, particularly the elderly, had Body Mass Index (BMI) Access to healthcare was hindered by both physical distance and the associated costs, exacerbating the health vulnerabilities of the study population.Low socio-economic status further limited these families' ability

Table 2 . Comparison of Pre-and Post-Intervention Scores for Malnutrition Risk Indicators and Sub-indicators Among Vulnerable Groups
bolstering of healthcare accessibility, as highlighted by our findings, has been mirrored in previous research, showcasing marked improvements in dietary diversity