Reducing Stunting Prevalence: Causes, Impacts, and Strategies

Abstract

The prevalence of stunting in Indonesia was still high at 24.4% based on the 2021 Indonesian Nutritional Status Study, while at 20.9% in Central Java. Policymakers need to make quick and practical decisions to support the creation of an environment that empowers communities in stunting prevention. This current study aimed to describe the cause and effect of stunting and various applicable models of community empowerment in various regions of Indonesia to prevent stunting cases. This study used a qualitative method and focus group discussions (FDG) for data collection. It was conducted in mid-2022. The participants were the technical officers of the provincial government, National Population and Family Planning Board (BKKBN), non-government organizations, nutritionists, child health experts and academicians, as many as 2 participants from each organization selected by the purposive sampling method. The FGD results showed several good practices in some regions. One initiative to replicate is providing stunting prevention training for cadres and mothers of childbearing age and health promotion programs for prospective brides at least three months before marriage. Besides, forming a team for collecting data on prospective brides, and improving the existing recording system is required to reduce stunting prevalence.