Peer-reviewed article

The Feeding Patterns as a Dominant Factor in the Occurrence of Stunting in Toddlers in Ponorogo

Kurnia Dwi Artanti, Dyah Silviananda Widhiastuti, Devina Dwi Kurnia, Arina Mufida Ersanti, Taufiq Hidayat Hasan · 1 Jan 2026

Abstract

Introduction: Stunting in Indonesia, caused by nutritional deficiencies from pregnancy until the age of two, remains above the WHO target despite a decrease in prevalence from 37.2% in 2017 to 21.6% in 2022. The detrimental impact of stunting on child development and the high rates in Indonesia underscore the importance of improving maternal and child nutrition to reduce this prevalence. Objective: The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of feeding patterns on the incidence of stunting in toddlers in the Ponorogo District. Methods: This research is an analytical observational study with a case-control study design. The sample size was calculated using the case-control sample size formula with a 1:1 ratio, resulting in 44 cases and 44 control samples. The case samples consist of children aged 1-5 years who experience stunting in the North Ponorogo Community Health Center area. The control samples consist of children aged 1-5 years who do not experience stunting in the same area. The sampling method used is simple random sampling. Risk factor analysis uses the odds ratio (OR) value and a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: There is an association between feeding patterns and the incidence of stunting, with an OR value of 14.54 (95% CI = 3.11 < OR < 67.86). There is no association between immunization completeness status and the incidence of stunting, with an OR value of 0.42 (95% CI = 0.14 < OR < 1.25). Conclusions: Based on the conducted research, it can be concluded that there is a significant relationship between feeding patterns and the incidence of stunting in the North Ponorogo Community Health Center area. Inadequate feeding patterns significantly increase the risk of stunting.