Early Marriage and Stunting: Preventive Efforts in Adolescents

Early marriage is a continuing social phenomenon in various parts of Indonesia, which has a negative impact on health, education, and social development of adolescents. One of the serious consequences of early marriage is stunting, which is a condition that fails to grow in a child due to a lack of nutritional intake in the first thousand days of life. The study aims to analyze the relationship between early marriage and stunting, as well as identify effective preventive efforts among adolescents. The method used in this research is the study of literature and the analysis of secondary data from various reliable sources. Research findings suggest that early marriages contribute significantly to increased risk of stunting in children, as mothers married at a young age tend to have limited knowledge and access to adequate health and nutritional services. Recommended preventive efforts include improved reproductive health education among adolescents, enforcement of policies prohibiting marriages under the age of 18, and the provision of comprehensive health and nutrition services for pregnant mothers and children. In addition, the active role of various actors, including governments, educational institutions, and community organizations, is needed to create an environment that supports optimal growth and development for adolescents. In conclusion, the prevention of early marriages is a strategic step in an effort to reduce the number of stunts in Indonesia. With a holistic and participatory approach, a healthy, intelligent and highly competitive young generation is expected.