ABSTRACT
Introduction: According to public reports to the FDA (Food Drug
Addministration), 2% of all users of Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
experiencing health problems. Among the health problems are: headache,
obesity, inability to control emotions, aggravate autism, asthma trigger.
However, there are still many people who dont know the side effects from the
use of MSG in food processing, especially at the high school students.
Methods: the aim of this research is to know knowledge and attitude senior
high school student about the use of MSG on food in the city of Medan in 2010.
This research was conducted with descriptive research method, the approach
used in this study design was a cross sectional study with sampling technique
using cluster sampling technique.
Results: With a total sample of 200 people, obtained the results of research
that shows that the level of knowledge the majority of respondents to MSG in
the medium category, namely: 162 respondent (81.0%). In the bad category
were found 33 respondent (16.5%), and in good categories was found 5
respondent (2.5%). The results for the attitude of respondents to MSG is in both
categories, as many as 117 respondents (58.5%). In the category of being as
much as 41.5%, and there is no high school students in categories less.
Discussion: From the research, it can be concluded that high school students
'knowledge of Medan city is in the category Medium and high school students'
attitudes in Medan was the good category. Inputs to the heads of senior high
schools in Medan to provide learning materials to high school students about
the dangers of MSG and its use for health, overseeing the use of MSG school
environment.
Key words: Knowlage and Attitude, Senior High School Student, MSG,
Monosodium Glutamate.