Peer-reviewed article

Determinants Influencing the Occurrence of Stunting in Toddlers

Hermita Bus Umar, Dina Ayuning Tyas, Herma Herdyana, Sirajul Muna, Yayuk Sri Rahayu · 4 Dec 2025

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the link between family socio-economic factors, environmental sanitation, and physical conditions of the home with the incidence of stunting in toddlers in densely populated areas of Padang City, West Sumatra. In 2025, a cross-sectional study using quantitative methods is conducted. The study population consists of all children aged 24 to 59 months. A purposive sampling method was used to select 75 toddlers who met the following inclusion criteria: they could be measured for anthropometry, had a complete KIA/KMS book, and were free from chronic diseases. Toddler height was measured in accordance with WHO 2006 anthropometry standards, home environmental conditions were observed, and structured interviews were administered to collect data. bivariate analysis showed that there is strong correlation between stunting and specific human environment and social factors. Toddlers from low-income families, with mothers having low levels of education, living in inadequate physical living environments may suffer more from underdevelopment disorders than their better situated counterparts do. The results of the univariate and multivariate analyses illustrate that stunting is a multidimensional problem that involves the interaction between the biological age of the child, the level of education of the mother, the condition of the physical environment of home, and the socioeconomic status of the family. This shows that continuous health education is needed to increase awareness and skills of families in meeting the nutritional needs of children optimally, especially in an environment prone to stunting, such as in the home environment.