CULTURAL BARRIERS IN GROWTH AND PARENTING PATTERNS CHILDREN AND POLICY ALTERNATIVES IN EFFORTS STUNTING PREVENTION

Abstract

Stunting is still a major problem in Indonesia. A culture that is strong enough in children's growth and development and parenting patterns influences health behavior which will have an impact on health status. The aim of this research is to determine cultural barriers to children's growth and development and parenting patterns as well as alternative policies in efforts to prevent stunting in Aceh. This research is a qualitative research with a phenomenological design, data collection using in-depth interviews with seven participants with inclusion criteria mothers with stunted toddlers, able to communicate well, cooperative, willing to be informants in this research. The research was conducted in August-November 2023. Data analysis uses Inductive Content Analysis methods. The results have five themes, namely non-exclusive breastfeeding, not providing immunizations, inappropriate provision of MP-ASI, lack of use of health facilities and policy alternatives. Based on the research results, it is recommended that cultural barriers and parenting styles towards stunting prevention behavior require a multidimensional approach such as the government and the wider community involving families, local communities, health workers and health services to overcome barriers to stunting prevention behavior. Keywords: Culture; Growth and Development; Parenting Patterns; Stunting