Association Between Dietary Patterns and Severity of Stunting Among Children Aged 6– 24 Months in Bagi Community Health Center Catchment Area, Central Lombok Regency
Stunting is a long-term nutritional issue and a serious public health issue, especially for young children under two. In order to meet nutrient requirements and promote linear growth, dietary diversification is crucial. This study aimed to determine the relationship between dietary diversity, measured using the Dietary Diversity Score (DDS), and stunting among children aged 6–24 months in the working area of Bagu Primary Health Center, Central Lombok Regency. An analytic observational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted among 43 mothers of children aged 6–24 months using total sampling. Dietary diversity was assessed using a structured questionnaire based on nine food groups recommended by the FAO, while stunting status was determined from anthropometric records in the Maternal and Child Health handbook. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square test. Of the 43 children, 62.8% were stunted and 37.2% were severely stunted. Most children (58.1%) had low dietary diversity, while 41.9% had diverse diets. No significant association was found between dietary diversity and stunting severity (p = 0.655). However, diverse diets showed a lower tendency toward severe stunting (OR = 0.750; 95% CI: 0.212–2.656). The findings highlight the need to improve dietary diversity through locally available food sources.
Baiq Nur Lathifatuzzahrah, Lina Nurbaiti, Wiwin Lastyana et al.