Impact of caregiver nutrition knowledge and status on stunting in children aged 12-59 months at Urangagung health center 2, Sidoarjo district

Abstract

Stunting remains a critical global health issue affecting children, with Indonesia reporting high prevalence rates in 2022, particularly in Sidoarjo district. This study investigates the impact of caregiver nutrition knowledge and status on stunting among toddlers aged 12-59 months in the Urangagung 2 Health Center area, Sidoarjo District. . The study involved 100 children aged 12-59 months, with the majority of caregivers being the children’s biological parents (78%). Cross-sectional, quantitative observational research methodology is employed. Both direct child height measurement and structured questionnaires were used in the data collection process. The univariate and bivariate analyses of the data were performed, and the chi-square test was used to ascertain the association between the incidence of stunting and caregiver status and nutritional awareness. The findings showed a strong correlation between children's risks of stunting and their non-parental caregiver status and inadequate nutritional understanding. Stunting prevention in the area depends heavily on initiatives to increase caregiver empowerment and nutritional awareness.