BACKGROUND: The adverse outcomes of malnutrition on the development of a child are well acknowledged as are the broad variety of contextual factors that may impact child nutritional status. Adequate nutrient intake and the adoption of appropriate water, sanitation and hygiene measures are largely documented for their positive influence on health. Improved sanitation and protection from human feces can significantly lower the incidence of diarrhea and environmental enteropathy. However, the impact of excessive exposure to animal feces on child health is less well documented. OBJECTIVES: This study tests the hypothesis that there is a positive association between exposure to animal feces, morbidity and anthropometric outcomes in children under 5 years of age, in Cambodia. It aims to improve insights that can contribute to discerning high-impact policies that promote children can develop to their full potential. METHODS: Data for this study was drawn from the third follow-up round of the MyHealth project cohort study that is conducted in six districts of three Cambodian provinces (Phnom Penh, Kratie and Ratanak Kiri). The analysis included a sample of 639 children under 5 years of age. RESULTS: infection was found to be a protective factor for acute diarrhea, yet, associated with stunting in the univariate model. CONCLUSIONS: and consequent stunting, thereby improving the potential for a healthy development in young Cambodian children. The results support the need for cross-sector policy measures that reinforce comprehensive early childhood interventions towards improving nutritional status as part of a wider set of child welfare and development measures.
Yannick Caron, Rathmony Hong, Ludovic Gauthier et al.
Background: Stunting is a chronic nutritional problem that affects not only children’s physical growth but also their functional development, including motor skills. This study aimed to analyze the impact of nutrition counseling on maternal knowledge, toddler dietary intake, and motor development among stunted toddlers in coastal Kendari Methods: A pre-experimental one-group pretest–posttest design was conducted among 43 mothers and their stunted toddlers aged 10–59 months in selected coastal communities. Mothers received structured nutrition counseling focusing on balanced nutrition, complementary feeding, dietary diversity, and hygiene. Paired t-tests analyzed pre–post changes, and linear regression examined associations between sociodemographic characteristics (child age, gender, maternal education, and household income) and changes in outcomes (Δ scores). Results: Maternal nutrition knowledge significantly increased from 47.2 ± 9.08 to 61.6 ± 7.99 (Δ = 14.4, 95% CI 11.8–17.0, p = 0.001; Cohen’s d = 1.69). Toddler dietary intake improved from 49.5 ± 9.50 to 63.4 ± 5.72 (Δ = 13.9, 95% CI 11.5–16.3, p = 0.001; d = 1.79), and motor development scores increased from 52.3 ± 8.41 to 61.8 ± 6.97 (Δ = 9.5, 95% CI 7.1–11.9, p = 0.002; d = 1.23). Regression analysis showed that higher maternal education, female gender, and higher household income were significantly associated with greater improvements in maternal knowledge, toddler dietary intake, and motor development. Conclusion: Nutrition counseling significantly enhances maternal knowledge, toddler dietary intake, and motor development among stunted toddlers in coastal Kendari.
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 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.
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.
OBJECTIVES: In an effort to provide recommendation for maximizing synergy between maternal, infant, and young children's nutrition and family planning in India, this study makes a comprehensive assessment of the effects of the planning of births in terms of timing, spacing and limiting childbearing on maternal and child health outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: This study used the latest National Family Health Survey data of India that is globally known as the Demographic and Health Survey. A robust two-stage systematic random sampling was used for selecting representative samples for measuring demographic and health indicators. METHODS: Maternal and child health outcomes are measured by body mass index (grouped as normal, underweight, and overweight) and anemia for mothers, and stunting, underweight, anemia, and under-five mortality for the children. Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard models were applied. RESULTS: Women with a higher number of births and among those with first-order births with fewer than 2 years between marriage and first birth, the risk of being underweight and having anemia was significantly higher compared with their counterparts. In addition, the probability of being underweight and risk of stunting, anemia, and mortality was higher among the children from women with a higher number of births and with fewer than 3 years of spacing between births than that of their counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: The findings from this study support the importance of birth planning in improving maternal, child health, and nutritional outcomes. The proper planning of births could help to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal-3 of good health and well-being for all by 2030 in India, where a significant proportion of women still participate in early marriages, early childbearing, and a large number of births with close spacing.
Md Juel Rana, Abhishek Gautam, Srinivas Goli et al.
