Background Stunting is a condition of failure to grow in children so that children are too short for their age. Mother's behavior also influences children's stunting, especially the pattern of providing nutrition to children. The researcher's aim was to determine the behavior of mothers in fulfilling nutrition for stunted children aged 6-24 months in Tanjungarum Village, Sukorejo District, Pasuruan Regency. Method This research method is a quantitative research study with a descriptive research design. This population is all mothers in Tanjungarum Village, Sukorejo District, Pasuruan Regency. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling. The sample for this research was 90 mothers in Tanjungarum Village, Sukorejo District, Pasuruan Regency. This research was conducted in April-June 2022. The measuring instrument used a questionnaire sheet. Results The research results show that almost all mothers' behavior in providing nutrition for stunted children behaves adequately, 63%, a small portion behaves inadequately, 20%, and a small portion behaves well 17). It is hoped that this research can be used as a source of information for mothers, especially for mothers who have children who are stunted so that the children grow and develop well during their growth period.
Devi Nur Maulidiya, Apriyani Puji Hastuti, Dion Kunto Adi Patria et al.
Stunting, characterized by impaired growth and development in children under five years old, represents a significant global nutritional issue, particularly in Indonesia. This study aims to explore stunting prevention and child protection from the perspective of Islamic education. Employing a qualitative methodology with a phenomenological approach, the research seeks to understand and interpret specific events and social situations related to stunting and child protection within the Indonesian context. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and documentation, specifically involving lecturers at UIN Ar-Raniry Banda Aceh. The findings reveal that the incidence of stunting in Indonesia remains alarmingly high compared to other middle-income countries, leading to decreased cognitive abilities, heightened health risks, and diminished future productivity. The research concludes that stunting prevention and child protection are critical national programs that require synergistic implementation to secure a better future for children and ensure their right to quality education. From the perspective of Islamic education, these efforts are intrinsically linked, as Islamic teachings emphasize the importance of proper care, provision of halal and nutritious food, which positively influence both the physical and mental well-being of children. The study highlights the need for integrating Islamic educational principles in national stunting prevention strategies to foster holistic child development.
Sri Astuti A. Samad, Munawwarah Samad, Ramli Saiful et al.
Stunting (dwarfism) is a condition in which a toddler has a length or height that is less than minus two standard deviations of the median of the WHO child growth standards. Stunting is caused by insufficient nutritional intake over a long period of time due to feeding that does not meet nutritional needs. Stunting can occur from when the fetus is still in the womb and only becomes apparent when the child is two years old. This type of research is quantitative with a case-control study design, which is an analytical study (survey) concerning how risk factors are studied using a retrospective approach. The case population in this study were all stunted children aged 6-23 months in the Mompang Community Health Center working area. The control population in this study were non-stunted children aged 6-23 months in the North Panyabungan Community Health Center area who lived side by side with stunted children. The sampling technique for this study was accidental sampling, namely a method of sampling by chance encounter. The findings obtained by the researchers are largely supported by the results of previous studies that stated there is a relationship between sociodemographics and maternal parenting patterns on the incidence of stunting. Parents' education and income are important factors in fulfilling toddlers' nutritional needs, and parental parenting patterns are also supporting factors in providing care for better toddler growth and development.
Stunting and malnutrition are significant nutritional problems faced today. Nutritional education for mothers of toddlers is critical in addressing this challenge. This activity aims to enhance the understanding of mothers of toddlers regarding nutrition and child development and improve their skills in processing local foods for toddler meals. This activity was carried out at Posyandu Harapan Ibu 6 in Mata Air Village, South Padang District, from September 23 to October 19, 2023, involving 15 mothers of stunted and malnourished toddlers. The method used was Participatory Action Research (PAR), which included several activities such as participatory education on nutrition, child development, and parenting, the nutritional value of local foods, and family healthy menus based on local foods, as well as direct assistance in the form of local foods to be processed into healthy toddler meals. The result of this activity was an increase in the understanding of mothers of toddlers about nutrition and child development from 30% to 80%, as assessed through participatory discussions and Q&A sessions at the end of the education session. Additionally, there was an improvement in the mothers' skills in processing local foods, with an average score of 6 out of 7, evaluated from the food processing outcomes documented through photos over ten consecutive days. This activity concludes that nutrition education based on PAR effectively increases the knowledge and skills of mothers of toddlers, making it a replicable intervention model in other areas to address nutritional problems and stunting.
ABSTRACT Endogamous marriages in India reflect a socially segregated society based on religion and caste, perpetuating the existing social stratification and inequalities. Caste endogamy contributes to the unequal transfer of social capital and social endowments, thereby reproducing inequalities within and across generations. In this background, the study examined the question of whether intercaste marriages contribute to reducing economic inequality in children's nutrition. We triangulated analyses based on pooled microdata and macro‐panel data compiled from the National Family Health Survey and other Government surveys (2005–2021). The Wagstaff's corrected concentration index, panel data random effects regression models and pooled cross‐sectional Probit regression model have been used. Findings suggest the continued prevalence of caste‐based assortative sorting in the Indian marriage market and wealth‐based inequalities in child nutritional status, thereby indicating both strong caste endogamy and health inequalities. However, an increase in intercaste marriage is associated with declining inequalities in the child nutrition indicators: stunting, wasting and underweight. The pathway is established through the reduced economic heterogeneity in populations owing to intercaste marital arrangements and a greater possibility of exchange of resources. Thus, we advance that intercaste marriages lessen caste inequalities in child nutrition in India by narrowing group differences in socio‐economic status.
The study assessed the nutritional status of under-five children in rural Nigeria. Information on 17199 rural children from National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), 2013 were analyzed using descriptive statistics, anthropometry indices, and ordered probit model. Results showed that 38.9%, 38.1%, and 10.6% of the rural children were stunted, underweight, and wasting, respectively, while 12.5% were well-nourished. Southsouth region had the highest incidence of well-nourished and stunted children while North-West and South-West regions had the least proportion of well-nourished and wasted children, respectively. Mother’s age at first birth, child’s sex, water source, occupation, child’s age, education level, wealth index, completion of immunization, and geopolitical zone had a significant effect on child nutritional status in rural Nigeria.
ntroduction: Stunting is a growth disorder in children caused by chronic undernutrition, recurrent infections, and inadequate psychosocial stimulation. A child is classified as stunted when their height-for-age falls more than two standard deviations below the median of the Child Growth Standards. Stunting has serious short-term consequences, including impaired brain development, reduced intelligence, delays in physical growth, and metabolic disturbances. In the long term, it contributes to decreased cognitive and learning performance, weakened immunity, and greater susceptibility to illness. Methods: This study aimed to develop and analyze the impact of implementing the ROSHE nutrition education model on the cognitive abilities and attitudes of families in preventing stunting. The research utilized a Research and Development (R&D) design guided by the ADDIE approach to create the “ROSHE” educational model for families. Data collection involved needs analysis, one-to-one testing, and small-group testing through interviews and observations, while field testing employed validated pre-test and post-test questionnaires. The initial phase focused on analyzing stunting-related issues, followed by contextual and literature-based data gathering relevant to family-centered stunting prevention efforts. Results: During the design stage, the Health Belief Model served as the primary theoretical foundation, integrated with the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). This integration produced a conceptual framework for the initial version of the ROSHE model, which was validated by three experts in information technology, educational technology, and nutrition science. One-to-one and small-group evaluations indicated that the model was easy for families of stunted children to use. Field test results demonstrated an increase in average knowledge and improvements in attitudes after the intervention. The Wilcoxon test yielded a p-value of 0.000, indicating a significant difference in knowledge and attitude changes before and after participation. Conclusion: The ROSHE nutrition education model effectively enhances family knowledge and attitudes in efforts to prevent stunting.
INTRODUCTION: Malnutrition among children is one of the major health challenges in Pakistan. The National Nutritional Survey 2018 revealed that 44% of children are stunted. Different circumstances surrounding a child's birth can lead to inequality of opportunity in early childhood, with significant nutritional inequalities between rural and urban areas. This study aims to identify the drivers of inequality of opportunity in stunting among children under-five years of age in Pakistan. METHODS: This study used Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey, 2017-18 to identify the factors contributing to inequality of opportunity in child's stunting. The Dissimilarity index (D-index), along with Oaxaca decomposition, and Shapely decomposition were employed to measure and decompose inequality in opportunity in stunting. Regional variations in stunting among children under various circumstances were analyzed using Geographic Information System or GIS. RESULTS: The burden of stunting is exceptionally high in Pakistan, with the prevalence in rural areas significantly exceeding that in urban areas from 1990 to 2018. Shapley decomposition of the contributors to inequality in opportunity indicates that maternal education accounted for 24% of total inequality among rural children and 44% among urban children. Water and sanitation contributed 22% to overall inequality in rural areas but only 2% in urban areas, highlighting the critical role of inadequate water and sanitation in rural settings. The wealth index was a predominant contributor to inequality both nationally and in urban areas. Southern regions exhibit a higher prevalence of stunting and a greater proportion of households lacking adequate water and sanitation. Additionally, the concentration of uneducated mothers and stunted children is notably high in Balochistan and Sindh. CONCLUSIONS: The lack of maternal education, inadequate access to water and sanitation services, and lower socio-economic status are key factors contributing to inequality of opportunity in stunting among children under five in Pakistan. Understanding the critical role of these circumstances can help policymakers address the situation and implement concrete steps to enhance equal opportunities for child health.
Background: Stunting is a significant malnutrition phenomenon faced by the world, including Indonesia. Various family factors, such as inadequate access to nutritious food, low exclusive breastfeeding practices, and exposure to diseases, contribute to the occurrence of stunting. Additionally, social factors such as political and economic conditions, healthcare providers, and socio-cultural norms also influence the prevalence of stunting. Purpose: To evaluate fathers' involvement in handling stunting in children. Methods: Systematic review research from various relevant international journals by searching through databases, including PubMed, Proquest, science direct, Ebsco host and Scopus. Of the 3,427 journals identified, there are 8 journals that meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria from 2019-2024. Results: The results show that father involvement in parenting contributes positively to the quality of children's diet and reduces the prevalence of stunting. The role of fathers in child care can increase family awareness regarding the importance of balanced nutrition and good eating patterns for children. This role has the potential to reduce the incidence of stunting among children. Conclusion: Father's involvement is very important in increasing family awareness about good nutrition and eating patterns as well as emotional and financial support, all of which play a role in preventing stunting. A family approach that involves fathers is the key to supporting children's optimal growth and development Keywords: Father; Role; Stunting. Pendahuluan: Stunting merupakan fenomena gizi buruk yang signifikan yang dihadapi oleh dunia, termasuk Indonesia. Berbagai faktor keluarga, seperti akses yang tidak memadai terhadap makanan bergizi, praktik pemberian ASI eksklusif yang rendah, dan paparan penyakit, berkontribusi terhadap kejadian stunting. Selain itu, faktor sosial seperti kondisi politik dan ekonomi, penyedia layanan kesehatan, serta norma sosial budaya juga memengaruhi prevalensi stunting. Tujuan: Untuk mengevaluasi keterlibatan ayah dalam penanganan stunting pada anak. Metode: Penelitian sistematik review dari berbagai jurnal internasional yang relevan dengan pencarian melalui database, antara lain PubMed, Proquest, science direct, Ebscohost, dan Scopus. Dari 3.427 jurnal yang diidentifikasi terdapat 8 jurnal yang memenuhi kriteria inklusi dan eksklusi dari tahun 2019-2024. Hasil: Keterlibatan ayah dalam pengasuhan berkontribusi positif terhadap kualitas diet anak-anak dan mengurangi prevalensi stunting. Peran ayah dalam pengasuhan anak dapat meningkatkan kesadaran keluarga mengenai pentingnya gizi seimbang dan pola makan yang baik bagi anak. Peran ini berpotensi mengurangi kejadian stunting di kalangan anak-anak. Simpulan: Keterlibatan ayah sangat penting dalam meningkatkan kesadaran keluarga tentang gizi dan pola makan yang baik serta dukungan emosional dan finansial yang semuanya berperan dalam pencegahan stunting. Pendekatan keluarga yang melibatkan ayah adalah kunci untuk mendukung tumbuh kembang anak secara optimal. Kata Kunci: Ayah; Peran; Stunting.
Filipus Y. Boibalan, Dwi Cahya Rahmadiyah, Heny Permatasari et al.
Human health and well-being have advanced substantially during the past two centuries, mainly due to improvements in nutrition, hygiene, and clinical medicine. During this period, a close interrelationship has been established among nutrition, infection, and hygiene. In fact, nutritional status greatly influences infectious disease morbidity and mortality. In most developed countries, improvements in diet have resulted in the virtual disappearance of nearly all nutritional deficiency disorders. However, there is now a transition from nutritional deficiency-related disorders to health problems associated with excessive caloric intake, such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. In this special issue dedicated to nutrition in child health and disease, we provide an overview of current trends in research and clinical practice focusing on the impact of nutritional status on child health. Nutritional adequacy is defined as the sufficient intake of essential nutrients needed to fulfill requirements for optimal health. The criteria that are now generally used to define adequacy of intake are the prevention of deficiency or chronic diseases and the reduction in risk for diet-associated diseases. Here, we present a review of the special nutritional needs in specific disorders of childhood where diet is essential for effective treatment, such as hypercholesterolemia and nephropathy. Current and future scenarios also include the shift in importance from under- to overnutrition. Accumulating evidence shows that atherosclerosis begins in youth. The recommended initial step to reduce cholesterol levels in children is the institution of a “heart-healthy” diet, which is safe and often effective. This diet is low in cholesterol and saturated fat and high in complex carbohydrates. It should provide adequate energy for growth, development, and maintenance of a desirable weight. An appropriately tailored diet is essential for kidney disease patients. Patients with kidney damage should limit the intake of certain foods to reduce the accumulation of unexcreted metabolic products and to protect against hypertension, proteinuria, and other heart- and bone-related health problems. The influences of various nutrients on kidney function and overall health in kidney disease patients has been studied extensively, but there are few studies on the impact of specific diets on patient survival. Another condition in which diet is an essential aspect of treatment is celiac disease (CD). A strict, lifelong gluten-free diet free of wheat, rye, and barley products remains the treatment of choice for CD. Although the maximum safe amount of gluten for patients with CD is unclear, <10 mg daily is probably safe for preventing ongoing intestinal injury. For foods to be labeled gluten-free, there must be < 20 ppm. All patients with CD should be referred to a dietitian well-versed in gluten-free diets because parents encounter misinformation and may unnecessarily restrict intake of necessary nutrients. Other practical topics that should be addressed include how to avoid cross-contact at home, travel, and restaurant tips, and how to find reliable information on the Internet. The review also includes three topics in which diet is of special importance: adolescence, young athletes, and future bone health. Adolescence is generally considered to begin with puberty and to end with completion of physical, mental, and sexual maturation. However, the endpoints are often unclear because adult roles and responsibilities, including the formation of life partnerships and the transition to employment and financial independence, may occur at different ages in different parts of the world, so the cultural concept of adolescence varies greatly. Adolescent nutrition is crucial for proper growth and development and a prerequisite for achieving full developmental potential. Suboptimal nutrition may contribute to delayed and stunted growth as well as impaired physical and mental development. As adolescents undergo a period of rapid growth and development, adequate intake of both macro- and micronutrients is critical. Eating disorders with different forms of restrictive eating and overweight/obesity are two problems very prevalent at this age. Nutrition is an integral part of all athletes' lives; however, the importance of proper nutrition is even greater for the adolescent athlete. Proper nutrition provides all athletes with fuel for energy and the resources necessary to recover from exercise stress. With the rising rate of childhood and adolescent obesity, a great deal of attention is now given to general youth nutrition; however, little focus is given to the specific nutritional needs of the young athlete. In youth athletes, nutrition plays the same vital role as in adult athletes but, more importantly, is also required to support growth and maturation. Young athletes require greater caloric intake than their non-exercising counterparts because of the increased energy expenditures related to training and competition. The greater energy requirements compared with their nonathletic peers include an increased need for protein and, likely, carbohydrate. Factors that affect bone mineral accrual during growth include genetics, sex, race, diet, mobility, weight-bearing activity, and hormonal factors. The impact of nutrition on bone health has been extensively examined, and various diets, foods, and nutrients have been studied for their potential effects on bone. The effects of dietary components on bone metabolism and bone mass in early life are important because the accretion of bone during growth may help reduce the risk of osteoporosis in later life. The benefits of dairy food products on bone acquisition and maintenance have been the object of particular interest. Among micronutrients, calcium and vitamin D are especially critical for adequate bone development. However, a significant proportion of children fail to achieve the recommended intake from daily products because of digestive intolerance, so there is emerging recognition of the importance of other animal and/or plant sources for bone health. The roles of other micronutrients, specifically vitamin K, magnesium, phosphorus, and strontium, also need to be considered regarding their effects on calcium economy, bone metabolism, and resistance to mechanical loading. Finally, there is emerging interest in the impact of nutrition on circadian rhythms. Melatonin acts as a chemical signal for time of day and its suppression is a marker for disruption of circadian rhythms. Recently, several studies have provided support for a link between altered sleep/wake patterns and obesity, leading to a growing body of research in this area. Children must have sleep of sufficient quality and duration for proper growth and development as growth hormone is mainly secreted at night. Excess evening electric light, whether inside the home or outside in the neighborhood and city, is a rapidly growing problem in the modern world. Prolonged media screen time is now common in children, even preschoolers. The circadian effects could be considerable because computer screens expose children to bright light close to the face, which is the main stimulus for inhibition of melatonin production. Early identification of how nutrition interacts with child health conditions first requires healthcare providers to be aware of these problems. Qualitative research should be performed to gain insight into how parents can be motivated to emphasize new norms in childhood nutrition. This issue aims to reveal key knowledge gaps that need to be filled to provide stronger dietary advice for the healthcare of children.