Factors associated with stunting among children 0-23 months in Aceh: A cross-sectional study using SSGI 2021

Stunting is a chronic health problem that affects children and has long-term implications for cognitive development. The multifactorial causes of stunting require the identification of the most dominant factors to facilitate effective interventions. This study aimed to analyze the factors associated with stunting in children under two years old in Aceh. This was a cross-sectional study involving 2,395 subjects aged 0-23 months. Data were obtained from the 2021 SSGI national survey, consisting of stunting prevalence, child and family characteristics, household sanitation, universal health insurance ownership, breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices, immunization status, parenting and pregnancy classes, supplementary feeding, and food security. Logistic regression analysis was performed with 95% confidence intervals. The results showed a significant association between stunting and child sex, sanitation conditions, parental education, exclusive breastfeeding, complementary feeding practices, immunization status, micronutrient supplementation, and breastfeeding duration (p<0.05). In conclusion, the factors associated with stunting in children aged 0-23 months in Aceh are sanitation, parental education, exclusive breastfeeding, complementary feeding practices, immunization, micronutrient supplementation, and duration of breastfeeding. This study highlights the importance of improved nutrition education, family support, increased immunization coverage, and improved environmental sanitation to reduce the prevalence of stunting among young children in Aceh.