Factors Associated with Stunting in Children under Five in Karawang, West Java

Abstract

Background: Despite global efforts, stunting remains a public health problem in several developing countries. It is estimated that globally in 2016, 24% of children under age five were still stunted. Stunting during childhood can lead to reduced immunity, increased susceptibility to non-communicable diseases, impaired physical and mental development, and reduced productivity. This study aimed to analyze factors associated with stunting in children under five in Karawang, West Java. Subjects and Method: A case control study was conducted in 5 community health centers in Karawang, West Java, from April to May 2018. A sample 225 children under five consisting of 75 stunted children and 150 normal children was selected by fixed disease sampling. The dependent variable was stunting. The independent variables were maternal height, low birthweight, exclusive breast¬feeding, complementary feeding, and history of infectious disease. Data on children body height were measured by infantometer or microtoise. The other data were collected by questionnaire. The data were analyzed by a multiple logistic regression. Results: The risk of stunting increased with low birth weight (OR= 4.61; 95% CI= 1.73 to 12.24; p<0.001) and history of infectious illness (OR= 4.77; 95% CI= 1.95 to 11.69; p= 0.001). The risk of stunting reduced with maternal height ≥150 cm(OR= 0.20; 95% CI= 0.08 to 0.49; p<0.001), exclusive breastfeeding (OR= 0.39; 95% CI= 0.17 to 0.88; p= 0.024), and appropriate complementary feeding (OR= 0.24; 95% CI= 0.11 to 0.54; p= 0.001). Conclusion: The risk of stunting increases with low birth weight and history of infectious illness, but reduces with maternal height ≥150 cm, exclusive breastfeeding, and appropriate complementary feeding. Keywords: stunting, low birth weight, exclusive breastfeeding, complementary feeding, infectious illness