The Risk Factors of Stunting in Toddlers: A Psychological Perspective

Abstract

Stunting is a condition of failure to thrive in toddlers due to chronic nutritional deficiency, and it can affect low intelligence and decreased physical capacity, reducing productivity and economic slowdown. This study aims to determine the risk factors for stunting in toddlers aged 6-59 months in the coastal area of the north Moramo district.

The type of research used was quantitative analytical research through an observational case-control study design. The population in this study amounted to 870 toddlers. The sampling technique used simple random sampling with a total sample of 90 and divided into groups of 45 case samples and 45 control samples.

This study reveals that exclusive breastfeeding is a risk factor for stunting, with an odds ratio of 22.69, and parenting feeding is a risk factor for stunting, with an odds ratio of 10.085. Family income is a risk factor of stunting with an odds ratio of 16.779 in toddlers aged 6-59 months in the north Moramo sub-districts coastal area, with the Chi-square analysis results with p=0,000<0,005.

The research suggests a need for socialisation about stunting to increase public knowledge.

Keywords: Stunting, exclusive breastfeeding, parenting feeding, income family