Risk Factors of Stunting among Children in Rural Area of Jember, Indonesia

Background: The stunting prevalence in Jember has seen a mark escalation, reaching 34.9% by the year 2023. The impact of stunting can be significant as it may reduce the quality of human resources. It is important to know the risk factors of stunting in order to modify these factors through prevention efforts. Methods: This research employed a cross-sectional design involving 163 mothers of children aged 12-59 months residing in Sukowono Village, Jember, Indonesia, who were selected using consecutive sampling. Independent variables included sociodemographic characteristics of families and children, collected using a demographic questionnaire. The dependent variable is stunting, determined by plotting the children’s height on the WHO (World Health Organization) Z-score height-for-age growth curve in the mother and Child Health book. Data were analysed using Multiple Logistic Regression. Results: As many as 49 (30.1%) children were found to be stunted. Factors significantly associated with stunting were maternal height (p<0.001; OR = 8.495), father's education (p=0.012; OR=4.097), and family income (p<0.001; OR=6.144). Conclusion: Nurses have a crucial role in preventing stunting in rural areas by educating the community, ensuring that parents prioritise proper nutrition for women at every stage of life, from birth and adolescence to marriage, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. Providing adequate nutrition for women throughout their lives, especially during their productive years, should be a priority since maternal height is inherited by offspring. To reduce stunting in rural areas, the government should continue to promote 12-years compulsory education and establish various strategies to assist underprivileged families in rural areas in meeting their children’s nutritional needs.