Increasing Access to Nutritious Food

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 37 views

Relationship of Socio-Economic Status and Keanekar Family Food Consumption Variety with Stunting Incidence in Toddlers in Muara Sibuntuon Village in 2022

Stunting is a condition in which a child experiences a failure caused by a lack of nutritional intake needed by the body. Various factors influence the incidence of stunting in children under five years, including socioeconomic status which includes family income, maternal education level, number of family members, and diversity of family food consumption. This study aims to determine the relationship between socioeconomic status and diversity of family food consumption with stunting events in toddlers in Muara Sibuntuon Village, Sibabangun District, Central Tapanuli Regency.

Stunting is a significant public health problem in many developing countries, including Indonesia. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), stunting affects approximately 150 million children under the age of five worldwide. In Indonesia, the prevalence of stunting is estimated to be around 30% of children under five years old. Stunting can have long-term consequences on a child's health, cognitive development, and productivity.

The study was conducted in Muara Sibuntuon Village from April to December 2022 using the Lintang Cut Study Design. As many as 70 children under five were taken as samples using simple random sampling techniques through random voter applications. Data regarding stunting is taken by measuring the length of the child's body or height based on age, while the socioeconomic status is measured through interviews using a questionnaire. The diversity of family food consumption is evaluated through the Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS). Data analysis was carried out using the Chi-Square test.

The results showed a significant relationship between socioeconomic status-which consisted of family income, maternal education level, and the number of family members-with stunting events in children under five, each with the value of p = 0.007, p = 0.021, and p = 0.016. Meanwhile, no significant relationship was found between the diversity of family food consumption and the incidence of stunting in children under five, with p = 0.155.

This finding shows the importance of intervention in improving the socio-economic status of the family to reduce the incidence of stunting. Better income and higher levels of maternal education have the potential to increase awareness and understanding of balanced nutrition and child care. On the other hand, the diversity of food consumption, although it is important, may not have the same direct impact on the incidence of stunting.

The study highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to address the issue of stunting in Muara Sibuntuon Village. The village government, health workers, and mothers play a crucial role in preventing stunting. The village government is advised to increase the empowerment of fishery and agricultural products such as rice, tubers, fruits, vegetables, etc. so that families can meet their nutritional needs. In addition, health workers also need to invite and socialize the importance of knowledge about stunting and the use of health services. No less important, the role of mothers in providing good parenting for children is also very necessary in order to prevent stunting.

Improving Socio-Economic Status: The village government should focus on improving the socio-economic status of families by providing access to education, employment opportunities, and healthcare services.
Increasing Access to Nutritious Food: The village government should increase the empowerment of fishery and agricultural products such as rice, tubers, fruits, vegetables, etc. so that families can meet their nutritional needs.
Health Education and Awareness: Health workers should invite and socialize the importance of knowledge about stunting and the use of health services.
Good Parenting: Mothers should be encouraged to provide good parenting for children, including proper nutrition, healthcare, and education.

This study has several limitations. Firstly, the sample size is relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Secondly, the study only focuses on the relationship between socioeconomic status and diversity of family food consumption with stunting events in toddlers in Muara Sibuntuon Village. Further studies are needed to explore the relationship between other factors and stunting events.

Future research should focus on exploring the relationship between other factors and stunting events, such as maternal nutrition, breastfeeding, and child care practices. Additionally, studies should be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions aimed at improving the socio-economic status of families and increasing access to nutritious food.

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of addressing the issue of stunting in Muara Sibuntuon Village. The village government, health workers, and mothers play a crucial role in preventing stunting. The study recommends improving socio-economic status, increasing access to nutritious food, health education and awareness, and good parenting. Further studies are needed to explore the relationship between other factors and stunting events.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Stunting in Toddlers in Muara Sibuntuon Village

A: Stunting is a condition in which a child experiences a failure caused by a lack of nutritional intake needed by the body. It is a significant public health problem in many developing countries, including Indonesia.

A: Various factors influence the incidence of stunting in children under five years, including socioeconomic status which includes family income, maternal education level, number of family members, and diversity of family food consumption.

A: The study found a significant relationship between socioeconomic status-which consisted of family income, maternal education level, and the number of family members-with stunting events in children under five.

A: Mothers play a crucial role in preventing stunting by providing good parenting for children, including proper nutrition, healthcare, and education.

A: The study recommends improving socio-economic status, increasing access to nutritious food, health education and awareness, and good parenting.

A: Health education and awareness are crucial in preventing stunting in toddlers. Health workers should invite and socialize the importance of knowledge about stunting and the use of health services.

A: The village government should focus on improving the socio-economic status of families by providing access to education, employment opportunities, and healthcare services. They should also increase the empowerment of fishery and agricultural products such as rice, tubers, fruits, vegetables, etc. so that families can meet their nutritional needs.

A: This study has several limitations, including a relatively small sample size and a focus on the relationship between socioeconomic status and diversity of family food consumption with stunting events in toddlers in Muara Sibuntuon Village.

A: Future research should focus on exploring the relationship between other factors and stunting events, such as maternal nutrition, breastfeeding, and child care practices. Additionally, studies should be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions aimed at improving the socio-economic status of families and increasing access to nutritious food.

A: This study highlights the importance of addressing the issue of stunting in Muara Sibuntuon Village. The findings of this study have implications for public health policy, including the need for a comprehensive approach to address the issue of stunting, including improving socio-economic status, increasing access to nutritious food, health education and awareness, and good parenting.