Mothers’ experiences managing undernourished toddlers in dry land Kupang City, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia: a qualitative study

Abstract

Background: In Eastern Indonesia, undernutrition in toddlers is still a serious public health concern, especially in Kupang City, where stunting and underweight rates are disproportionately high. While the high prevalence and quantitative determinants of undernutrition and stunting in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) and Kupang’s dryland areas are well-documented (e.g., household income, food access, and knowledge deficits), existing literature heavily relies on statistical associations. There is a critical gap in understanding the lived, daily realities, emotional struggles, and practical coping mechanisms employed by mothers in this uniquely challenging, food-insecure environment. One of the causes of the high rate of malnutrition is maternal parenting patterns. According to data on nutrition indicators for 2024 from the Oesapa Community Health Center, the highest incidence of malnutrition occurs in Oesapa Village. This study aims to explore the experiences of mothers in Oesapa Village in caring for malnourished toddlers. Method: This study is a qualitative study with a descriptive phenomenological approach. There were 29 informants in this study. Data collection used in-depth interviews and documentation in primary data collection, while secondary data was obtained from health institutions and the internet. The data analysis used was Miles and Huberman’s data analysis model. Data validity was ensured using the member check method and data source triangulation. Results: The study indicates delayed introduction of complementary foods, irregular mealtimes, limited food variety, poor personal hygiene, burning of waste, irregular immunization and health monitoring, and traditional approaches to illness management. Mothers are advised to pay attention to regular and varied feeding, maintain hygiene, attend routine health posts and immunizations, administer deworming medication, and promptly address children’s illnesses to support infant nutrition. Conclusion: The findings offer qualitative evidence directly complementing existing quantitative data, providing policymakers and public health workers with the granular, contextual information needed to design culturally appropriate, effective, and empathetic nutritional interventions for dry land communities.