Peer-reviewed article
Determinants of Stunting in Children Aged 12-59 Months
Erna Julianti, Elni Elni ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This study examined the causes of stunting (chronic malnutrition) in Indonesian children aged 12-59 months. Researchers collected data from 205 children and found that children who were not exclusively breastfed, those with a history of infectious disease, and those with poor eating habits were significantly more likely to be stunted. The study concluded that exclusive breastfeeding, infection prevention, and improved eating habits are important for reducing stunting and supporting healthy child development.
Key points
- Children not exclusively breastfed had 53.8% higher risk of stunting
- Children with major infectious disease history had 40.9% higher risk of stunting
- Three factors showed significant relationship with stunting: exclusive breastfeeding history (p=0.001, OR=2.28), infection history (p=0.013, OR=2.27), and eating habits (p=0.04, OR=1.55)
- The study involved 205 children aged 12-59 months in Indonesia
- Authors recommend peer group community formation for children to prevent and overcome stunting
Limitations
This is a cross-sectional study, so it can identify associations but not establish causation. The study does not describe the specific infectious diseases examined, the definition of 'exclusive breastfeeding' duration, or details about which eating habits were measured.
Abstract
Background: Stunting is one of the priority nutritional issues in Indonesia. It is one of the chronic malnutrition effects in children which will have a long-term impact on the growth and cross-generation of mothers through the cycle of stunting syndrome.Purpose: This study aimed to identify the determinant factors of stunting in children aged 12-59 months.Methods: Quantitative research with a cross-sectional approach was employed in this study, involving 205 respondents recruited using a consecutive sampling technique. Data were collected using the z scores and questionnaires for children aged 12-59 months, food trust questionnaire, feeding practice questionnaire and child eating habits questionnaire. The Chi Square test and multivariable logistic regression were performed for the data analysis.Results: Children who were not exclusively breastfed and had major infectious disease had a higher risk of stunting for 53.8% and 40.9%, respectively. There was a significant relationship between the history of exclusive breastfeeding (p=0.001, OR=2.28), the history of infection (p=0.013, OR= 2.27), and eating habits (p=0.04, OR=1.55) with stunting in children.Conclusion: There is a relationship between the history of exclusive breastfeeding, the history of infection and eating habits of children with stunting. The formation of a peer group community of children aged 12-59 months is expected to prevent and overcome stunting and improve nutritional status and optimal development of the children.