The Relationship Between Feeding Practices and Stunting Among Children Under Five: A Cross Sectional Study
Keywords:
Toddler, Feeding PracticesAbstract
Background: Stunting is a nutritional problem caused by chronic malnutrition, resulting in height lower than the standard for age. The prevalence of stunting at the Waode Buri Community Health Center increased from 12.7% (2021) to 14.2% (2023). A preliminary survey of 10 mothers of toddlers in the Waode Buri Community Health Center area revealed that 70% had poor feeding practices, and 60% had stunted children. In this study, we aimed to determine the relationship between feeding practices and stunting.
Methods: The study used a quantitative, a cross sectional study. This research was conducted at the Waode Buri Community Health Center from June 23 to July 31, 2025. The population in this study consists of all children under five at the Waode Buri Community Health Center during the Juni-Juli 2025 period, totaling 366 individuals. The sample consisted of 79 toddlers at the Waode Buri Community Health Center during the June to July period in 2025 used 95% confidence interval. Data were collected using simple random sampling. Data were collected using microtoice and questionnaires. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test.
Results: The primary outcome of the study was regarding feeding practices, the majority 62.0% fell into the "adequate" category, while the remainder 38.0% were in the "inadequate" category. As for stunting, the majority of the toddlers 59.5% had normal nutritional status, while 40.5% were stunted. Statistical analyses revealed p-value of 0.001 for the relationship between feeding practices and stunting.
Conclusion: In conclusion, there is a relationship between feeding practices and stunting. This research provides insights into Community Health Center include improving feeding practices education programs and providing lactation support and for future researchers should use different measurement methods and analyze other variables related to stunting.
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