Peer-reviewed article
Maternal knowledge on nutritional-focused nurturing care and associated factors among women with stunted children aged 6-23 months in Yogyakarta, Indonesia: A cross-sectional study
Fitri Haryanti, Sri Hartini, Akhmadi Akhmadi, Fitriana Andarwati, Hani Risnawati et al. ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This study examined what mothers in Indonesia know about nutrition-focused nurturing care for their stunted children aged 6-23 months. Researchers surveyed 73 mothers in Yogyakarta and found that maternal knowledge was generally high. Knowledge was stronger among mothers who were aged 30-34, had higher education, had male children, and had previously received information about nurturing care.
Key points
- Mean maternal knowledge score was 25.15 out of a maximum (SD = 4.72), indicating overall high knowledge
- Prior exposure to nurturing care information was the strongest associated factor (p < 0.001)
- Maternal education level was significantly associated with higher knowledge (p = 0.002)
- Family income influenced knowledge specifically in the domain of early learning opportunities (p = 0.006)
- Child gender (male) was associated with higher maternal knowledge (p = 0.017)
Limitations
This cross-sectional study measured associations only at a single time point and cannot establish causation. The sample size of 73 mothers from one district in Yogyakarta limits generalizability to other regions or countries.
Abstract
Background: Childhood stunting poses serious long-term risks to cognitive development, education, and adult productivity. While research has explored stunting’s causes and effects, there is a lack of focus on maternal knowledge of nutrition-focused nurturing care for stunted children. This gap limits the ability to design effective interventions that target improved caregiving practices. Objective: This study aimed to assess maternal knowledge of nutrition-focused nurturing care and explore associated factors, including child gender, maternal age, education, income, and prior exposure to nurturing care information, among mothers of stunted children aged 6-23 months in Indonesia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 73 mothers in Kulon Progo, Yogyakarta. Data were collected from February to March 2024 using a validated self-assessment questionnaire covering four domains: responsive caregiving, early learning opportunities, safety and security, and supportive caregiver well-being. Statistical analyses, including t-tests and one-way ANOVA, were performed. Results: Overall maternal knowledge of nurturing care was high, with a mean score of 25.15 (SD = 4.72). Factors significantly associated with higher knowledge included having male children (p = 0.017), being aged 30-34 years (p = 0.035), possessing higher education levels (p = 0.002), and prior exposure to nurturing care information (p <0.001). Family income significantly influenced knowledge in the domain of early learning opportunities (p = 0.006), though not in other areas. Conclusion: Maternal knowledge of nutrition-focused nurturing care was influenced by child gender, maternal age, education, income, and prior exposure to nurturing care information. These findings emphasize the importance of focused educational interventions in nursing practice to enhance maternal knowledge. Addressing these factors can help align nursing strategies better to support the healthy growth and development of children.