Acceso usuarios
Aiga Monica Andra, Resmiati Resmiati
, Ice Yolanda Puri
Introduction: Stunting remains a significant publichealth concern in Indonesia, with long-term implications forchildren’s growth and development. While exclusive breast-feeding is recognized as a key factor in promoting optimalinfant health, its effectiveness in preventing stunting re-mains inconclusive.Objective: This study examines the association betweenexclusive breastfeeding practices, maternal height, and lowbirth weight with stunting among children aged 6-59 monthsin Sawahlunto City, West Sumatra, Indonesia, using a cross-sectional approach.Methods: This was quantitative cross-sectional involving199 children aged 6–59 months, selected using stratified ran-dom sampling. Data were collected through anthropometricmeasurements, structured questionnaires, and secondarydata. Height was measured using a standardized stadiometer,and stunting was defined as a height-for-age z-score < –2 SDbased on WHO child growth standards. Statistical analysiswas conducted using the chi-square test. The chi-square testwas used for statistical analysis. Results: The prevalence of stunting was 33.2%. A signifi-cant association was observed between stunting and mater-nal height (p = 0.002) as well as low birth weight (p = 0.031).However, no significant association was found between exclu-sive breastfeeding and stunting (p = 0.088).Conclusion: Exclusive breastfeeding alone was not signif-icantly associated with stunting in this study. The nutritional status of children after six months depends not only onbreastfeeding but also on the quality of complementary feed-ing. Maternal height, as a genetic factor, and early-life nutri-tion (including macro- and micronutrient intake) play essen-tial roles in determining child growth outcomes.
