Prevalence Of Stunting Research Articles

The Role of Complementary Feeding Practices in Addressing the Double Burden of Malnutrition among Children Aged 6-23 Months: Insight from the Vietnamese General Nutrition Survey 2020.

Background/Objectives: Optimal infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices are crucial to addressing the double burden of malnutrition (DBM), encompassing undernutrition (including micronutrient deficiencies) and overnutrition. This study examined the demographic and socioeconomic determinants of IYCF practices, and their impacts on the DBM among 2039 Vietnamese children aged 6-23 months from the General Nutrition Survey 2020. Methods: Thirteen IYCF indicators recommended by the WHO/UNICEF were evaluated. Associations between IYCF indicators and outcome variables were assessed using logistic regressions. Results: The prevalence of stunting, underweight, and overweight subjects was 10.9%, 5.6%, and 3.1%, respectively. Low serum zinc affected 56.7% of children, while 14.3% had low serum retinol, 31.2% had anemia, and 34.6% had iron deficiency (ID). Only 36.7% of children achieved minimum dietary diversity (MDD), and 29.0% achieved the minimum acceptable diet (MAD). Children from the younger age group (6-11 months), ethnic minorities, those living in rural/mountainous regions, and poorer wealth quintiles had reduced odds of meeting IYCF criteria, including MDD and MAD. Infants meeting MDD had reduced odds of stunting [adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence intervals): 0.61 (0.41, 0.92)], and ID [0.69 (0.54, 0.88)]. Children meeting MAD had reduced odds of anemia [0.72 (0.57, 0.91)], ID [0.66 (0.52, 0.84)], and low serum retinol [0.63 (0.41, 0.99)]. Continued breastfeeding (12-23 months) reduced the odds of being underweight [0.50 (0.27, 0.92)] and of having low serum zinc [0.70 (0.52, 0.96)]. Adequate minimum milk feeding frequency had increased odds of being overweight [3.33 (1.01, 11.09)]. Conclusions: Suboptimal IYCF practices were significant predictors of the DBM among Vietnamese children, with evident age-specific, geographical, and socioeconomic disparities.

Dairy Consumption at Breakfast among Southeast Asian Children: Associations with Nutrient Intake from the South East Asian Nutrition Surveys II (SEANUTS II).

Children's rapid growth requires adequate nutrient intake, with breakfast, especially when incorporating dairy, playing an important role. This study examined associations between dairy consumption at breakfast and energy and nutrient intake among children in Southeast Asia. Utilizing the cross-sectional South East Asian Nutrition Surveys II dataset, using a 24 h dietary recall and questionnaires distributed among 10,286 children aged 2 to 12 years from Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam, we investigated the impact of dairy consumption at breakfast on nutrient intake and examined associations between breakfast consumption and the prevalence of stunting and overweight/obesity among 10,135 children. Although most of the children consumed breakfast, only 37%, 27%, 16%, and 18% in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam, respectively, included dairy in this meal, with younger children being significantly more likely to consume dairy at breakfast (p < 0.001). Dairy consumers had significantly higher intakes of vitamins A, B12, and D and calcium both at breakfast and throughout the day (p < 0.001). Breakfast skippers had a 29% increased risk of being overweight/obese. Dairy consumption at breakfast was associated with enhanced nutrient intake and overall diet quality among Southeast Asian children. The association between breakfast habits and anthropometric outcomes highlights the need to address nutritional deficiencies and promote healthy growth and development.

Clinical assessment of nutritional status among school going children aged 6-15 years in tea garden area of Darjeeling district, West Bengal, India

Background: Malnutrition (undernutrition) is a spectrum of disorder caused by various intervening factors which results in formation of ‘web of causation’ and prevalence is very high in developing countries like India which may lead to deficient physical growth as well as suboptimal mental achievement. The present study was designed to assess the nutritional status among school going children in remote tea garden area of Darjeeling district by clinical assessment. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 768 students covering both, the hilly areas and plains of Darjeeling district, and recommended anthropometric parameters and indices of world health organization (WHO) were applied. The data was compiled with MS excel and suitable statistical test were done using SPSS version 20.0 software. Results: Out of 768 school going children aged between 6-15 years, wasting was prevalent among 13% with 1% prevalence of severe wasting, thinness was prevalent among 40%, 25% students suffered from stunting, with 4.6% prevalence of severe stunting. The study revealed a statistically significant (p&lt;0.05) difference of mean weight between boys and girls belonging to age groups of 6+ years, 7+ years, 8+ years and 13+ years, and also of mean height of the boys and girls belonging to the age groups of 6+, 7+, 8+, 13+ and 14+ years. Pallor was also prevalent among 30.5% of the children. Conclusion: Malnutrition was common among the school age children of Darjeeling district in the age group of 6-15 years.

Determination of appropriate policy targets to reduce the prevalence of stunting in children under five years of age in urban-poor communities in Indonesia: a secondary data analysis of the 2022 Indonesian national nutritional status survey

ObjectiveBased on previous studies, urban-poor societies are very vulnerable to stunted children under five. The study aims to determine the appropriate policy targets to reduce the prevalence of stunted under-five...

Women’s Bargaining Power and Children’s Nutritional Status: Evidence from Indonesia

Child stunting is a serious challenge in Indonesia, one of the largest middle-income countries in the world. Beyond the influence of bio-behavioral determinants, mothers’ bargaining power in the household is expected to have an overarching contribution to stunting, particularly as the primary caregivers of their children. Using a dataset from the fifth wave of the Indonesia Family Life Survey (IFLS-5), this study examines whether and to what extent a mother’s bargaining power influences children’s nutritional status. The study uses the instrumental variables method to correct the potential endogeneity of the mother’s bargaining power. Results suggest that children of mothers with higher intrahousehold bargaining power have a lower prevalence of stunting and better anthropometric outcomes. However, other members of the household matter, in the sense that improved outcomes are evidenced when the mother exercises her choice in decision making in a more consensual manner, by consultation with other household members. HIGHLIGHTS In Indonesia, higher women’s bargaining power enhances child nutritional long-term outcomes. Child nutrition improves when women make decisions jointly with other family members. Boys appear to be the main beneficiaries of mothers’ higher bargaining power. Policies to increase women’s agency need to consider family support and social norms.

Determinants of Stunting in The Under-five in West Nusa Tenggara Province with Multilevel Binary Logistic Regression

Stunting is a form of malnutrition in children that is still a health problem in Indonesia, especially in NTB Province. Based on the results of the SSGI, the prevalence of stunting in children under five years of age in NTB Province was 32.7 percent, up 1.3 percent compared to the previous year. This value has not reached the threshold of 20 percent and the national target of 18.4 percent. This puts NTB Province in the fourth highest position in Indonesia. In 2022, NTB Province recorded the highest percentage in Indonesia for children under six months who received exclusive breastfeeding, which was 79.69 percent. However, the prevalence of stunting in toddlers in NTB Province is still very high. Between districts/cities in NTB Province, there is a fairly high disparity in the prevalence of stunting in children under five years of age. This shows the influence of regions or households so that there is a disparity in the prevalence of stunting in children under five years of age. This study aims to describe the incidence of stunting in toddlers in general and analyze the variables that influence it and its tendencies in NTB Province in 2022 using a multilevel binary regression model. The results of the study showed that the variables of toddler gender, toddler age, history of toddler pneumonia, maternal education level, access to clean drinking water sources, access to proper sanitation, and GRDP per capita had a significant effect

Evaluation of Nutrition Supplementation and Nutrition Education Program in Preventing Malnutrition in Toddlers

Malnutrition in children under five is a serious global health problem, especially in developing countries. In Indonesia, the prevalence of stunting in 2020 reached 31.8%, which is second in Southeast Asia after Timor Leste. However, this figure has decreased to 21.6% in 2022, according to data from the Indonesian Ministry of Health. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of nutrition supplementation and nutrition education programs in preventing malnutrition in children under five. This research design is an evaluative design with a cross-sectional approach to obtain an overview at one time of the nutritional status of children under five years of age, program implementation, and results achieved. The input of the number of nutrition workers is lacking, the Puskesmas needs 1 community health worker, the equipment owned is still lacking in the laboratory section and must request procurement from the City or Provincial Health Office and funds for MT distribution are not yet available, the output is not yet on target and the program coverage has not yet reached the set achievement indicators. Suggestions for the Padang City government, especially the Padang City Health to procure facilities and infrastructure that are lacking in puskesmas, while for the Padang Health Center must conduct counseling on the importance of PMT-P so that the MT provided right on target.

Faktor-Faktor Determinan Penyebab Kejadian Stunting dilihat dari Faktor Ibu di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Mondokan Kabupaten Sragen

Stunting is one of the causes of death and a contributing factor to the number of children exposed to disease, 3.1 million or 45% of the causes of death in the world besides disability. Many factors are associated with the incidence of stunting in toddlers, one of which is factors seen from mothers such as upper arm circumference, education, age at pregnancy and income. The prevalence of stunting in the working area of public health center of mondokan sragen regency was 417 cases in December 2023. Objective: Knowing the determinant factors causingof the incidence of stunting seen from maternal factors in the working area of public health Center of Mondokan Sragen Regency. Methods: The study used descriptive methods, sampling using quota sampling techniques, 81 respondents, the instrument used used a checklist sheet containing the characteristics of stunting factors. Results: the results showed that the majority of the characteristics of upper arm circumference &lt;23.5 cm (58%), the latest elementary school education (59.1%), maternal age during pregnancy 20-35 years (85.2%), income &lt;2,049,000 (71.6%). Conclusion: the determinant factors in the working area of Puskesmas Mondokan are upper arm circumference, education, maternal age at pregnancy, income,

Maternal factors contributed as important risk factors of stunting among children under 5 years old in East Java, Indonesia

Roughly, three out of ten toddlers in Indonesia are stunted. Stunted children are spread throughout some provinces in Indonesia, including East Java. In East Java Province, ten cities and regencies exhibit a higher stunting prevalence rate than the national average. This study aimed to determine the factors affecting stunting among families with children under five years old. The study is population-based using census data. The dependent variable is stunting. The independent variables are young maternal age (&lt;20 years old), older maternal age (&gt;35 years old), and frequent pregnancies (&gt; 2 children). The data were collected from the National Population and Family Planning Board which included 6,373,612 families, with children under five years old, from 38 districts/cities around East Java, Indonesia. The data were analysed using univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analysis with multiple linear regression. The results showed a relationship between young maternal age (B=11.37; p &lt;0.001; 95% CI= 7.35 to 15.40), old maternal age (B=1.02; p &lt;0.001; 95% CI= 0.84 to 1.20), and frequent pregnancies (B=1.01; p=0.007; 95% CI= 0.30 to 1.73) and the incidence of stunting. Maternal factors significantly contributed to stunting. The research identified young maternal age, old maternal age, and frequent pregnancies as variables that predicted and contributed to stunting. Based on the findings, an intervention can be proposed to stakeholders to arrange stunting prevention programs related to maternal issues.

KELANTING INNOVATION (GRAND MOTHER CLASS OF CARE STUNTING ) EDUCATION AND LOCAL FOOD DIVERSIFIED IN PREVENTING STUNTING SIDOBANDUNG, BALEN, BOJONEGORO REGENCY

Nutrition problems are still a concern for the Indonesian government to be resolved immediately, one of which is the problem of stunting. , Bojonegoro Regency's stunting prevalence rate is 23.9 percent, making Bojonegoro the district with the 13th highest stunting prevalence of 38 districts and cities in East Java. The prevalence of stunting which is still quite high can affect Indonesia's development performance because stunting has an impact on children's health status so that children become vulnerable to illness and has an impact on children's intelligence and quality of life, so handling it is still a government priority. The innovation of the KELANTING program (Stunting Caring Grandmother Class) is present by involving academics who act as references for solving problems based on research results (based on research) in the field of midwifery and nursing. So that it is able to increase the understanding of the community, especially grandmother caregivers, so that they are able to carry out care appropriately and get used to it. children to consume foods with balanced contents. The Klanting Program is carried out with Local Food Education and Diversification in Sidobandung Village, Balen District, Bojonegoro Regency" as a pilot project for community-based stunting prevention efforts. This activity is carried out by involving 25 grandmothers who care for toddlers by carrying out outreach and education. After the Klanting activity was carried out, there was an increase in the understanding and knowledge of grandmother caregivers regarding parenting styles and food diversification to prevent stunting, namely 72% of grandmother caregivers after the clanting activity had good knowledge, compared to previously only 28%. This shows that there is an increase in the percentage of understanding and knowledge of grandmothers who care for toddlers about parenting patterns of grandmothers and local food diversification in order to increase toddlers' interest in eating food diversity and the use of local food which can prevent stunting in toddlers.

Pengembangan Model Sosial-Ekonomi Penanganan Stunting di Kabupaten Aceh Timur

East Aceh District is one of the areas that has a high stunting prevalence rate/above the Aceh Provincial average of 33,5 percent. This means that, according to WHO, East Aceh District has a poor public health problem or a chronic stunting problem. The purpose of this study was to identify the socio-economic determinants of stunting and formulate an alternative model for handling stunting in East Aceh District. This research used a qualitative approach, whit primary data sources through FDGs and interviews with relevant agencies. After obtaining result about the determinants of stunting, an analysis was carried out using the SWOT method to obtain an alternative model. The results of the study obtained that the dominant factor causing stunting is the family economy and the alternative handling model is through empowering village communities in meeting food needs independently.

A predictive model for stunting among children under the age of three.

In light of the global effort to eradicate stunting in childhood, the objective of this research endeavor was to assess the prevalence of stunting and associated factors, simultaneously construct and validate a risk prediction model for stunting among children under the age of three in Shenzhen, China. Using the stratified random sampling method, we selected 9,581 children under the age of three for research and analysis. The dataset underwent a random allocation into training and validation sets, adhering to a 8:2 split ratio. Within the training set, a combined approach of LASSO regression analysis and binary logistic regression analysis was implemented to identify and select the predictive variables for the model. Subsequently, model construction was conducted in the training set, encompassing model evaluation, visualization, and internal validation procedures. Finally, to assess the model's generalizability, external validation was performed using the validation set. A total of 684 (7.14%) had phenotypes of stunt. Utilizing a combined approach of LASSO regression and logistic regression, key predictors of stunting among children under three years of age were identified, including sex, age in months, mother's education, father's age, birth order, feeding patterns, delivery mode, average daily parent-child reading time, average time spent in child-parent interactions, and average daily outdoor time. These variables were subsequently employed to develop a comprehensive prediction model for childhood stunting. A nomogram model was constructed based on these factors, demonstrating excellent consistency and accuracy. Calibration curves validated the agreement between the nomogram predictions and actual observations. Furthermore, ROC and DCA analyses indicated the strong predictive performance of the nomograms. The developed model for forecasting stunt risk, which integrates a spectrum of variables. This analytical framework presents actionable intelligence to medical professionals, laying down a foundational framework and a pivot for the conception and execution of preemptive strategies and therapeutic interventions.

Understanding the Crisis: Prevalence and Key Determinants of Stunting in Children Aged 2 to 5 Years in an Afghan Refugee Camp in Kohat.

Stunting, characterized by impaired growth and development due to malnutrition and illness, is a significant public health concern with profound implications for cognitive and physical development. This issue is particularly severe in refugee settings, where food insecurity and limited access to healthcare exacerbate the problem. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and determinants of stunting among children aged 2 to 5 years in an Afghan refugee camp in Kohat, Pakistan. A cross-sectional observational design was employed, collecting data from children aged 2 to 5 years who had resided in the camp for at least six months. A pre-validated, standardized questionnaire was administered to parents or guardians to gather data on socio-demographic factors, dietary intake, and health history. Stunting was defined as a height-for-age Z-score less than -2 SD from the median of the WHO Child Growth Standards. Anthropometric measurements were taken following WHO guidelines. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify predictors of stunting. Out of 384 children, 153 (40%) were found to be stunted. The prevalence was slightly higher among boys (80 out of 153, 52%) compared to girls (73 out of 153, 48%). Significant predictors of stunting included a lack of parental education (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) for fathers 1.8, 95% confidence level (CI) 1.2-2.9; AOR for mothers 2.1, 95% CI 1.3-3.4), a history of infectious diseases (AOR 1.9, 95% CI 1.2-3.0), and low dietary diversity (AOR 2.3, 95% CI 1.4-3.7). The study highlights the high prevalence of stunting among children in the refugee camp, underscoring the need for comprehensive interventions targeting healthcare improvement, parental education, economic support, and dietary diversity to reduce stunting rates and improve children's health outcomes.

Improving parenting and healthy nutrition for stunted toddler mothers through community service programs

Stunting is a significant public health problem, especially among toddlers, caused by chronic malnutrition and suboptimal parenting. This community service program aims to overcome these problems by providing relevant education and interventions to mothers of toddlers who experience stunting. This program aims to improve the knowledge and skills of mothers under five in terms of parenting and healthy nutrition, as well as encourage behavioral changes that support optimal child growth and development. This program is carried out through a series of educational activities, including training on balanced nutrition, how to serve nutritious food, and parenting techniques that support children's health. In addition, this activity also involves direct counseling and the provision of educational materials that are easy to understand by mothers of toddlers. The evaluation was carried out to measure the improvement of parenting knowledge, skills, and practices and their impact on the nutritional status of children. Early results showed a significant increase in maternal knowledge about the importance of balanced nutrition and healthy parenting. Practical skills in the presentation of nutritious food have also improved. Further evaluation showed that there was an improvement in the nutritional status of toddlers and a decrease in the prevalence of stunting in the target community. This community service program has succeeded in improving parenting and healthy nutrition knowledge for mothers of stunted toddlers. This intervention is expected to be a model for similar programs in other regions and make a positive contribution to reducing stunting rates more broadly

ANALYSIS OF THE INCIDENCE OF STUNTING IN CHILDREN UNDER FIVE

Stunting is a condition of growth failure in toddlers which is characterized by a height-for-age figure of less than -2 (z-score value). The prevalence of stunting in children aged 6-59 months is 41.1%, factors related to stunting are the child's age, food source and children with stunting are more susceptible to disease. This study aims to determine factors related to the incidence of stunting in children under five in the Tanjung Batu Community Health Center UPT Working Area, Ogan Ilir Regency in 2024. The design of this research is quantitative with a cross-sectional approach. The population of this study is the target number of children under five who will be served/weighed at the Tanjung Batu Community Health Center, Ogan Ilir Regency in 2024. The sample in this study was 96 people. The sample collection method used purposive sampling with the inclusion criteria of children under five in the Puskesmas working area and bringing a KIA book. This research was carried out on March 1-30 2024. Data was collected using a questionnaire. Bivariate data analysis used the Chi-Square test and multivariate logistic regression. The results of the research show that there is a relationship between age (p value 0.003), nutritional status (p value 0.020), body weight (p value 0.009) and knowledge (p value 0.018) on the incidence of stunting in children under five in the working area of ​​the UPT Puskesmas Tanjung Batu, Ogan Ilir Regency In 2024. There is no relationship between exclusive breastfeeding (p value 0.11) and comorbidities (p value 0.20) on the incidence of stunting in children under five in the working area of ​​the UPT Puskesmas Tanjung Batu, Ogan Ilir Regency in 2024. The most dominant factor with The incidence of stunting in children under five in the working area of ​​the UPT Puskesmas Tanjung Batu, Ogan Ilir Regency in 2024 is knowledge (p value 0.012) OR (0.318). The community health center can increase public knowledge by providing health education about stunting through classes for mothers of toddlers, social media, leaflets and posters.

Achievements and Barriers in Evaluating Stunting Prevention Programs in Keboguyang Village, Indonesia

Background: Stunting is a significant global health issue, with Indonesia's prevalence reaching 21.6% in 2022, particularly alarming in Keboguyang Village, Jabon District, where the stunting rate stands at 10%. Specific Background: Despite allocating 10% of village funds for stunting prevention, the persistence of high rates necessitates a critical evaluation of current interventions. Knowledge Gap: Limited research exists on the implementation effectiveness of stunting prevention programs at the village level in Indonesia, particularly regarding communication, resource allocation, and bureaucratic structure. Aims: This study aims to evaluate the implementation of stunting prevention programs in Keboguyang Village using Edward III's (1980) theory of policy implementation, focusing on the factors influencing success or failure. Results: Utilizing qualitative descriptive methods, data were collected through field observations, interviews with key informants—including the village head, midwife, health cadres, and mothers—and documentation analysis. The findings reveal effective communication strategies through door-to-door outreach and child data collection, alongside strong commitment from local leadership. However, challenges arise from insufficient incentive regulations, limited human resources, and infrastructural deficiencies. Novelty: This research contributes new insights into the multifaceted nature of stunting prevention efforts at the community level, highlighting specific barriers that need addressing. Implications: The study underscores the need for enhanced human resources and infrastructural support to bolster the effectiveness of stunting prevention initiatives, providing valuable recommendations for policymakers and community health programs aimed at reducing stunting rates in Indonesia. Highlights: High Stunting Rates: Keboguyang Village has a 10% stunting prevalence. Evaluation Framework: Edward III's theory evaluates program implementation effectiveness. Resource Challenges: Limited human resources hinder stunting prevention efforts. Keywords: Stunting, Indonesia, Health Policy, Community Development, Implementation

Maternal Factors as Determinants of Stunting in Children under the Age of Five: Scoping Review

Background: Chronic malnutrition during a child's early years leads to stunting, a condition that can harm both their mental and physical development. Studies have indicated a correlation between parenting styles and stunted growth in children that the nutritional knowledge and practices of mothers significantly affect the dietary habits of toddlers. The perspectives and cultural convictions of mothers are significant but have received limited attention as factors that influence the nutritional well-being of children and adolescents. Aims: This review examined maternal factors as determinants of stunting in children under five. Methods: Three databases were used to search for literature, namely PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The key to the search is as follows: “maternal” or “mothers” and “factor” and “stunting” or “stunted” or “growth disorder” and “toddler” or “children under five.” The material displayed in search engines is selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Result: This review was done on nine articles that were screened and analyzed out of 1,450 articles. The articles come from Nepal, India, Indonesia, Ghana, Congo, Uganda, Lebanon, and the Central African Republic. The type of research articles was cross-sectional and case-control. Conclusion: This review has provided an overview of maternal factors contributing to the prevalence of stunting. These factors include maternal employment, the educational status of mothers, maternal body mass index, the diversity of the mother-child diet, maternal exposure to mass media, and maternal age.

Pemanfaatan Tanaman Obat Keluarga (TOGA) dalam Pencegahan Stunting: Pendekatan Edukatif dan Manajemen Hidup Sehat

The use of Family Medicinal Plants (TOGA) as a form of approach in stunting prevention has become the main focus of the community service program in Curug Village, Mekar Agung Village. This program intends to increase public knowledge and skills in utilizing TOGA in preventing and reducing the prevalence of stunting in toddlers. The approach used is educational, through socialization and training to mothers at posyandu. The results of this activity have an impact on increasing public awareness and understanding of the importance of balanced nutrition and the role of TOGA in supporting children's health. In addition, this program has also succeeded in building a community that cares more about health issues, especially in efforts to prevent stunting. The implementation of this program involves cooperation between midwives, posyandu cadres, and students, who directly assist the community in implementing TOGA as part of a healthy lifestyle. Thus, this activity is expected to be a model and applied in other regions to reduce stunting rates and improve the quality of public health.

Navigating Implementation Challenges of Stunting Solutions in Indonesia's Health Programs

General Background: Indonesia faces a significant public health issue with fifth-highest stunting prevalence among toddlers, especially in East Java, and local efforts are being implemented to reduce rates. Specific Background: Klurak village government's stunting prevention programs, involving Posyandu cadres and midwives, face challenges due to communication, resources, disposition, and bureaucratic structure, as per Edward III's implementation theory. Knowledge Gap: While stunting programs are in place, the extent to which these programs effectively address local needs and barriers, particularly through an administrative lens, remains underexplored. Aims: This study aims to analyze the implementation of stunting prevention programs in Klurak Village using Edward III’s four-indicator framework and identify the key sectors hindering or supporting effective implementation. Results: Findings suggest that the stunting prevention program is moderately effective. Communication among village stakeholders is integrated but limited by budget constraints, while resources, particularly in human capacity and infrastructure, are inadequate. Despite positive dispositions among health workers, bureaucratic inefficiencies hinder maximum implementation. Novelty: The study provides a rare, localized analysis of stunting prevention through a public administration framework, offering practical insights into grassroots-level health governance in Indonesia. Implications: The research highlights the need for better resource allocation, continuous socialization efforts, and enhanced inter-agency collaboration to improve stunting prevention outcomes in rural settings. Highlights: Communication Gaps: Enhance stakeholder interaction to improve stunting awareness. Resource Needs: Adequate resources are essential for program effectiveness. Bureaucratic Issues: Structural inefficiencies hinder health program implementation. Keywords: Stunting, Klurak Village, Public Health, Program Implementation, Edward III Theory

Maternal factors associated with stunting among children under two years in South Nias, Indonesia: a cross-sectional study

The Indonesian Nutritional Status Survey 2022 reported that the prevalence of stunted children in South Nias, a district in North Sumatera, was 27.2%, higher than the regional and national prevalence of stunting. Stunting can be caused by many factors including maternal nutritional status, exclusive breastfeeding, and inadequate food intake. This research aims is to analyze the relationship between maternal factors and cases of stunting in children under two years at Somambawa Community Health Center, South Nias Regency. It was a quantitative study with a cross sectional design. Using a total sampling technique, 72 mothers with children under two years were included in the study. Exact fisher statistical and logical regression tests were carried out in bivariate and multivariate analyses. This study found that there was a significant relationship between antenatal care visits (p-value=0.000) and exclusive breastfeeding (p-value=0.000) with stunting in children under two years old. Exclusive breastfeeding was the most dominant predictor of stunting in the study, namely 84 times (p-value=0.000; OR 84.00). Meanwhile, complementary feeding and knowledge did not show a significant relationship with stunting. Therefore, health education to provide information and knowledge about stunting, especially about exclusive breastfeeding and complementary food for babies is suggested.