DefinePK

Abstract

Background: Stunting is a condition of growth failure in toddlers or being too short for their age, caused by chronic malnutrition. Stunted (short) and severely stunted children are those with height (or length) for age (HAZ) below the standard according to the WHO-MGRS (Multicentre Growth Reference Study) 2006.
Methods: This study used a cross-sectional design with the population of all toddlers in the Pohuwato region, with a sample size of 195 toddlers. The chi-square test was used for bivariate analysis, and multiple logistic regression analysis was used for multivariate analysis.
Results: There is a significant relationship between several factors and stunting in children. The results of multivariate analysis showed that maternal education (PR=2.84, p=0.012), access to a latrine (PR=8.95, p=0.000), and protein intake (PR=4.28, p=0.001) were the dominant factors significantly associated with an increase in the incidence of stunting. Additionally, zinc intake (PR=0.28, p=0.021) and a history of illness (PR=0.28, p=0.036) were significantly associated with a decrease in the incidence of stunting. All of these factors had a p-value < 0.05, indicating statistical significance.
Conclusion: The results of this analysis indicate that maternal education, access to a latrine, protein intake, zinc intake, and history of illness are significantly associated with the incidence of stunting.