Insufficient zinc intake is a predictor of stunting among children aged 6-59 months in stunting locus of Bogor Regency, West Java, Indonesia

Stunting is a widespread public health issue and remains a significant challenge in many parts of the world, especially in developing countries such as Indonesia. It has far-reaching consequences for both individual well-being and societal progress. The purpose of this study was to identify the risk factors for stunting in children aged 6-59 months in the stunting locus in Indonesia. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Ciampea Udik Village, a stunting locus, among 124 children selected using a multistage sampling. Dietary intake data, including energy, macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals, were collected through two non-consecutive 24-hour food recalls. Household characteristics, pregnancy, infection, hygiene, breastfeeding, and growth monitoring practices were assessed using adapted National Basic Health Research questionnaires, the age in months was computed in WHO Anthro Software based on the birth and interview dates, body height was evaluated by a stadiometer having an accuracy of 0.1 cm. Variables having p-values <0.25 in bivariable logistic regression, including child age, iodine level in household salt, mother’s education, child order, birth spacing, ARIs, pneumonia, diarrhea, vitamin A, calcium, iron, and zinc intakes, were analysed using multivariable logistic regression. Age 24-59 months (AOR=2.52; 95% CI 1.13-5.63) and low zinc intake (AOR=3.08; 95% CI 1.29-7.33) were significant predictors of stunting (p<0.05). Poor iodine level in household salt may contribute to stunting (p<0.1) in the stunting locus area. Low zinc intake was the most significant risk factor for stunting. Aside from that, the low iodine levels in household salt might be linked to stunting. Therefore the program's aims of increasing zinc intake using iodized salt could help have an influence on lowering stunting. It is highly recommended that a collaboration between nutrition academics and local government occur in order to design a sound nutrition education program to increase daily consumption of local food high in zinc and the usage of iodized salt. Key words: Stunting, locus, zinc, iodine, development, sustainability, child, local