Identification of factors causing stunting in Lamper Tengah primary healthcare centre, Semarang City

Abstract

Background: Stunting is a form of growth failure due to the accumulation of nutritional deficiencies characterised by height-for-age below the applicable standard. The prevalence of stunting in Indonesia in 2021 is 24.4%. In Semarang, the prevalence of stunting fluctuates. 2015, it was 14.4% and increased to 21% in 2017. Until 2021, the stunting rate in Semarang is 21.3%. The Semarang government has made various efforts, but the stunting rate has remained unchanged. Objective: This study aims to discover more about the factors that cause stunting in Semarang. Method: This research is qualitative research with a phenomenological approach. The data obtained in this study was from observation and interviews with mothers who have stunted children. Result: A total of 15 informants were selected using purposive sampling techniques. The analysis method used is a descriptive method with inductive analysis. Conclusion: The result showed maternal factors were inadequate nutrition intake, genetic factors, stress during pregnancy, and poverty. In comparison, the factors in children are low birth weight, repeated infections, children's difficulty eating, and micronutrient deficiency. The environmental factors are the home environment polluted with cigarette smoke and unhealthy home conditions, poor sanitation, and limited access to clean water, leading to repeated infections.