Determinant of Stunting in Children Under Five in West Java

Abstract

Introduction: Childhood stunting (short stature for age) continues to be a worldwide health issue as it heightens the chances of growth and developmental disruptions, along with increased mortality risk. The prevalence of stunting in West Java is 24.5%, with the fifth highest in Tasikmalaya. Nonetheless, there is limited study regarding the determinants of stunting in children in Tasikmalaya, West Java.
Objectives: To investigate the risk factors of stunting in children aged under five months in Tasikmalaya.
Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 173 children, collected consecutively, aged below 60 months, who visited the integrated health posts in 13 community health centers in Jamanis District, Tasikmalaya, from September to November 2016. Stunting is characterized as a height-for-age z-score (HAZ) that is two standard deviations below the norm established by the WHO, adjusted for sex. Statistical evaluations were performed using bivariate Chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression analysis.
Results: Of 173 subjects, internal risk factor of stunting were low maternal education (AOR 2.88; 95%CI 1.10 to 7.55; P=0.013), birth order more than one (AOR 3.08; 95%CI 1.24 to 7.55; P<0.001), non-exclusive breastfeeding (AOR 9.92; 95%CI 1.89 to 52.51; P=0.041), and low birth weight (AOR 6.25; 95%CI 1.04 to 46.84; P=0.032) were strongly associated with stunting
Conclusions: Determinant of childhood stunting are low maternal education, birth order more than 1, non-exclusive breastfeeding, and low birth weight.