KEY DETERMINANTS OF STUNTING IN RURAL INDONESIA: THE INFLUENCE OF ANTENATAL CARE, MATERNAL EDUCATION, AND MATERNAL ACTIONS

Abstract

Background: Stunting is a linear growth disorder in children, measured by height-for-age, with a Z-score of less than -2 SD according to WHO standards. Various factors, including low maternal education, infrequent prenatal care, low family income, lack of knowledge and preventive measures, and limited food availability cause this condition. Deliserdang Regency, notably the Dalu Sepuluh Community Health Centre, has a high prevalence of stunting, but in-depth studies on its risk factors have not been conducted. Objective: This study aims to analyze the ANC and maternal health  to stunting in toddlers within the working area of the Dalu Sepuluh Health Centre, Deliserdang Regency. Method: This analytical research, using a cross-sectional design, involved 56 toddlers selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and anthropometric measurements, then analyzed using the Chi-square test and backwards logistic regression. Results: Factors that have a significant relationship with the incidence of stunting include maternal education (p=0.004), frequency of prenatal checkups (p=0.001), maternal knowledge (p=0.003), maternal attitude (p=0.023), and maternal actions (p=0.001).  Conclusion: Stunting prevention requires interventions that focus on enhancing mothers' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours, improving food access and availability, and optimizing prenatal care.