Analysis Of Risk Factors For Stunting Events In Children Under Five In The Working Area Of ​​the Muara Tiga Puskesmas Pidie Regency

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Analysis of Risk Factors for Stunting Events in Children Under Five in the Working Area of ​​Muara Tiga Puskesmas Pidie Regency

Introduction

Stunting, a chronic nutritional problem measured using TB/U indicators, is a serious issue in Indonesia. The national stunting prevalence rate reaches 37.2%, indicating the need for serious treatment. Various factors contribute to stunting, such as parenting patterns, disease infections such as diarrhea and upper respiratory infections (ARI), birth weight, and exclusive breastfeeding. This research aims to identify risk factors for stunting events in children under five in the working area of ​​Muara Tiga Puskesmas Pidie Regency.

Background

Stunting is a significant public health concern in Indonesia, with a national prevalence rate of 37.2%. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines stunting as a child's height-for-age that is below -2 standard deviations from the WHO Child Growth Standards median. Stunting is a result of chronic undernutrition, which can be caused by inadequate nutrition, disease, and other factors. The consequences of stunting are severe, including impaired cognitive and physical development, reduced productivity, and increased mortality.

Methodology

This study uses a control case design, involving 70 stunting toddlers as a case and 70 children under five who are not stunted as control. Data was collected through observation and interviews with mothers using a questionnaire. Data analysis was carried out using univariate analysis, bivariate, multivariate with multiple logistics regression, and the calculation of population attribute risk (PAR) with a 95% confidence interval.

Results

The results showed that exclusive breastfeeding and parenting health care were a risk factor for the incidence of stunting. The most dominant risk factor is exclusive breastfeeding (Exp (B) = 3,667 CI 95%; 1,250-10,758). The results of the PAR calculation show that exclusive breastfeeding has a contribution of 59% in a decrease in the incidence of stunting in children under five. That is, by increasing the practice of exclusive breastfeeding, the stunting rate in children under five can be reduced by 59%.

Discussion

The findings of this study are in line with various studies that show that exclusive breastfeeding provides complete nutrition and natural immunization for infants. Exclusive breastfeeding is essential for the optimal growth and development of infants. The results of this study underline the importance of the role of health workers in providing education and counseling about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding to pregnant and lactating women.

The Importance of the Role of Health Workers

The results of this study highlight the crucial role of health workers in promoting exclusive breastfeeding. Health workers need to provide comprehensive education, including the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, the correct method of breastfeeding, and overcoming obstacles in breastfeeding. This can help improve the practice of exclusive breastfeeding in the community.

Recommendation

Based on the results of this study, several recommendations can be submitted to reduce stunting in the working area of ​​the Muara Tiga Puskesmas Pidie Regency:

  • Increasing exclusive breastfeeding promotion: Health workers need to aggressively promote exclusive breastfeeding in an interesting way and easily understood by the public.
  • Training and Assistance: Health workers need to be given regular training and assistance related to exclusive breastfeeding counseling.
  • Increasing access and support: Provision of support to breastfeeding mothers, such as access to lactation counselors, comfortable breastfeeding places in public places, and breastfeeding support groups, can help improve the practice of exclusive breastfeeding.
  • Increasing the affordability and availability of nutritious food: The government and related stakeholders need to strive to increase the affordability and availability of nutritious food for families, especially for low-income families.
  • Increasing coordination and collaboration: Improvement of coordination and collaboration between stakeholders, such as health workers, government, and community organizations, is very important to succeed the stunting prevention program.

Conclusion

With a planned and coordinated effort, it is hoped that the stunting rate in the working area of ​​the Muara Puskesmas Tiga Pidie Regency can be reduced and achieved a healthy and intelligent next generation. The findings of this study highlight the importance of exclusive breastfeeding in preventing stunting and the crucial role of health workers in promoting exclusive breastfeeding.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Stunting and Exclusive Breastfeeding

Q: What is stunting, and why is it a concern?

A: Stunting is a chronic nutritional problem measured using TB/U indicators, which is a result of chronic undernutrition. It is a significant public health concern in Indonesia, with a national prevalence rate of 37.2%. Stunting can lead to impaired cognitive and physical development, reduced productivity, and increased mortality.

Q: What are the risk factors for stunting?

A: Various factors contribute to stunting, including parenting patterns, disease infections such as diarrhea and upper respiratory infections (ARI), birth weight, and exclusive breastfeeding. Exclusive breastfeeding is a significant risk factor for stunting, as it can provide complete nutrition and natural immunization for infants.

Q: What is exclusive breastfeeding, and why is it important?

A: Exclusive breastfeeding is the practice of feeding an infant only breast milk, without any additional foods or liquids, for the first six months of life. Exclusive breastfeeding is essential for the optimal growth and development of infants, and it provides complete nutrition and natural immunization.

Q: How can health workers promote exclusive breastfeeding?

A: Health workers can promote exclusive breastfeeding by providing comprehensive education, including the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, the correct method of breastfeeding, and overcoming obstacles in breastfeeding. They can also provide regular training and assistance related to exclusive breastfeeding counseling.

Q: What are the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding?

A: Exclusive breastfeeding provides complete nutrition and natural immunization for infants. It can also reduce the risk of stunting, diarrhea, and respiratory infections. Exclusive breastfeeding can also promote a strong bond between the mother and the infant.

Q: How can families support exclusive breastfeeding?

A: Families can support exclusive breastfeeding by providing a supportive environment, such as a comfortable and quiet place for breastfeeding, and by encouraging the mother to breastfeed frequently. They can also help the mother to overcome obstacles in breastfeeding, such as latching difficulties or nipple soreness.

Q: What are the challenges of exclusive breastfeeding?

A: Exclusive breastfeeding can be challenging, especially for new mothers. Some common challenges include latching difficulties, nipple soreness, and engorgement. Health workers can provide support and guidance to help mothers overcome these challenges.

Q: How can communities support exclusive breastfeeding?

A: Communities can support exclusive breastfeeding by promoting a culture of breastfeeding, such as by providing breastfeeding-friendly public spaces and by encouraging breastfeeding in public. They can also provide support and resources for breastfeeding mothers, such as lactation consultants and breastfeeding support groups.

Q: What is the role of the government in promoting exclusive breastfeeding?

A: The government has a crucial role in promoting exclusive breastfeeding by providing policies and programs that support breastfeeding. This can include providing education and training for health workers, promoting breastfeeding-friendly public spaces, and providing resources and support for breastfeeding mothers.

Q: How can individuals contribute to reducing stunting?

A: Individuals can contribute to reducing stunting by promoting exclusive breastfeeding, supporting breastfeeding mothers, and advocating for policies and programs that support breastfeeding. They can also provide education and awareness about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding and the risks of stunting.

Q: What is the future of stunting prevention in Indonesia?

A: The future of stunting prevention in Indonesia is promising, with the government and stakeholders working together to reduce stunting rates. Exclusive breastfeeding is a key strategy in preventing stunting, and health workers, families, and communities can all play a role in promoting exclusive breastfeeding and reducing stunting rates.