Determinants of children’s nutritional status in rural and urban areas of West Java, Indonesia

Introduction: Children’s nutritional status is a vital indicator of public health and national development. Sufficient nutrition during early childhood is crucial for supporting physical growth, neural development, and cognitive performance. A well-nourished population serves as the foundation of a productive workforce, contributing significantly to a nation’s sustainable economic growth. Maternal education plays a crucial role in determining children’s nutritional status, alongside the quality and adequacy of children’s dietary intake. Objectives: This study primarily aims to identify nutrients intake, nutritional status, and determinants of children’s nutritional status in both rural and urban areas of West Java, Indonesia. Methods: This research employed a cross-sectional design, involving a sample of 150 households with children under five in rural areas (Cianjur Regency) and 150 households in urban areas (Sukabumi City), both located in West Java. This study collected primary data from interviews using questionnaires and anthropometric measurements. Results: The adequacy level of energy and fat is almost 100%. Adequacy levels of protein is above 100% or have far exceeded their needs. All of the micronutrients did not meet the adequacy. As many as 19% of children were underweight (18.6% in rural and 19.4% in urban), 4.3% wasting (2.7% in rural and 6.0% in urban), and 32% stunting (33.4% in rural and 30.7% in urban). The prevalence of children at risk of being overweight in urban areas was 8.7% and in rural areas was 6.7%. The determinant of children’s nutritional status was mother’s education. Conclusion: All of micronutrients did not meet the adequacy in both rural and urban areas. The results of this study indicate that prevalence of chronic malnutrition was still high in both rural and urban areas. Mother’s education was the determinant factor of children nutritional status.