Factors Associated with Stunting in the Bontosikuyu Community Health Center Work Area

Abstract

Background: Stunting is a multifactorial problem, but it generally occurs due to chronic malnutrition in children, which can impact height and weight. In 2020, 149.2 million children under five worldwide were recorded as experiencing stunting. The prevalence of stunting in the Selayar Islands Regency in 2024 reached 895 children (59.6%). At the Bontosikuyu Community Health Center Work Unit, approximately 92 children (22.9%) were recorded as experiencing stunting. Objective: To identify factors associated with stunting in the Bontosikuyu Community Health Center work area. Methods: Using an analytical observational approach with a nonexperimental research design and cross-sectional method, the population and sample were drawn based on a total sampling of 295 children under five.Results: Based on the test, the factors of breastfeeding history and maternal prenatal check-up history were significantly associated with stunting, with a p-value of 0.000 < 0.05 using the chi-square test. Meanwhile, basic immunization history and toddler check-up history at the integrated health post (Posyandu) were not significantly associated with stunting, with p-values of 0.261 and 0.67 > 0.05 using the Fisher's alternative test.Conclusions: This study found a relationship between breastfeeding history and maternal prenatal check-up history with stunting, while there was no relationship between basic immunization history and toddler check-up history at the integrated health post (Posyandu) with stunting in the Bontosikuyu Community Health Center (UPTD) work area. It is recommended that mothers of toddlers pay attention to their children's nutritional intake, especially during their growth and development, to reduce the risk of stunting in children.