Impact of maternal behavior and history of infectious diseases during pregnancy on the prevalence of stunting among children under five years

Abstract

The prevalence of stunting in children under 5 years of age is a problem that must be resolved, mothers are people who have an important role in stunting prevention efforts, so prevention efforts are relevant in reducing the prevalence of stunting in Indonesia. A cross sectional design was conducted on 532 participants. Simple random sampling and proportional sampling techniques were used for sampling. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data through interviews and anthropometric measurements. Multiple logistic regression analysis and statistical significance expressed at 95% CI were used. Mothers who had a low knowledge score (OR=4.8, 95% CI=3.1-7.3), low attitude score (OR=2.0, 95% CI=1.3-3.1), low action score (OR=1.8, 95% CI=1.1-2.7), and a history of infectious diseases during pregnancy (OR=2.2, 95% CI=1.4-3.5) were the main causal factors of stunting. Maternal behaviour is a significant determinant of stunting in children under 5 years old. If a mother has low scores in knowledge attitude score, score, along with a history of infectious diseases during pregnancy, the chance of stunting is 85.7%. Therefore, strategies and programmes that focus on mothers are the right choice, and increasing maternal knowledge is necessary to improve maternal attitudes and actions.