Relationship of Maternal Factors with the Incidence of Stunting

Stunting is a condition where a child's growth is below -2 standard deviations from the Z-score. In 2021, this condition was observed within the working area of the Kassi-Kassi Community Health Center, Rappocini District. This study used an analytical observational method with a cross-sectional design, involving 1,433 toddlers in the Kassi-Kassi Health Center area. From this population, 251 toddlers were selected using purposive sampling.

The results revealed several contributing factors to stunting among toddlers: 115 were identified as stunted, 67 had mothers who were either under 20 or over 30 years old at the time of pregnancy, 57 had mothers with low education levels, 39 had closely spaced births, 59 had mothers of short stature, 55 had mothers with poor nutritional status (Kekura), and 55 were associated with other maternal factors. The association between these factors and stunting was analyzed using the Chi-Square test.

Nutritional problems are a global issue that impacts children's growth and development. Stunting is a form of chronic malnutrition that has a long-term impact on the quality of human resources. In Indonesia, the prevalence of stunting is still quite high, including in South Sulawesi. Makassar City, especially the Kassi-Kassi Health Center working area, recorded an alarming prevalence rate. Various maternal factors such as age, education, and nutritional status of the mother during pregnancy have a major influence on the incidence of stunting.

This study used an analytical observational method with a cross-sectional approach. The location of the study was in the working area of ​​the Kassi-Kassi Health Center, Rappocini District, Makassar City. The population was 1,433 toddlers aged 0–59 months, and a sample of 251 respondents selected purposively. Data were collected through interviews using questionnaires, KIA books, and height measurements. Data were analyzed using the Chi-Square test.

The results of the Chi-Square

Of the 251 respondents, 115 toddlers experienced stunting. The results of the Chi-Square test showed that there was a significant relationship between the incidence of stunting and:

Mother's age during pregnancy (<20 years or >35 years) (p=0.025)

Mother's education level (≤9 years) (p=0.000)

Birth interval (≤2 years) (p=0.049)

Mother's height (<150 cm) (p=0.000)

Mother's nutritional status during pregnancy (LiLA <23.5 cm) (p=0.000)

Mother's anemia status during pregnancy (Hb <11 gr/dl) (p=0.01)