HUBUNGAN ASUPAN MAKRONUTRIEN DAN STATUS GIZI DENGAN SISTEM KEKEBALAN TUBUH PADA MASA PANDEMI COVID-19

Background: Deficiency of nutrient intake, especially macronutrient could suppress the immune system and cause malnutrition which will affect the nutritional status, in case of that nutritional intake and nutritional status are the key to increasing the immune system against infection, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between macronutrient intake and nutritional status with the immune system during the COVID-19 pandemic. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between macronutrient intake and nutritional status with the immune system during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This research is an analytical observational study with a cross sectional design on 89 dental students at the University of Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta batch of 2018 using a total sampling technique. Assessment of nutritional status was carried out using anthropometric data in the form of Body Mass Index (BMI). Assessment of macronutrient intake was carried out using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and calibrated with a food recall questionnaire 1x24 hours. Assessment of the immune system was carried out using the Immune Status Questionnaire (ISQ). Data analyzed using the univariate Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and bivariate analysis using the Rank-Spearman test. Data processing with computer programs, Nutrisurvey and SPSS. Results: In general, the macronutrient intake of respondents was mostly lacking in protein (48,3%), fat (49,4%), carbohydrates (93,3%), and energy (76,4%). Nutritional status was normal (65.2%) with no decrease in the immune system (75,3%). There was no relationship between intake of macronutrients in the form of protein (p = 0,281), fat (p = 0,128), carbohydrates (0,648), and energy (0,535) with the immune system. However, there was a relationship between nutritional status and the immune system (p =0,000). Conclusion: There was a relationship between nutritional status and the immune system.