Policy implementation challenges in stunting reduction: a bibliometric analysis of global research trends

This study delineates global trends in scholarly investigations on barriers to policy implementation aimed at reducing stunting, using bibliometric analysis integrated with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) framework. Data were systematically collected from scholarly articles indexed in the Scopus database from 2015 to 2024. The PRISMA method’s stages, identification, screening, eligibility, and inclusion, ensured data relevance and quality. Results demonstrated a significant rise in academic publications, reflecting increased global attention to stunting within Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The United States and Indonesia emerged as the leading contributors, highlighting extensive research engagement and policy development regarding stunting. Critical barriers identified include insufficient funding, weak inter-organizational cooperation, cultural resistance, and inadequate multisectoral collaboration. Additionally, thematic analysis indicated a paradigm shift from focusing predominantly on nutritional and maternal-child health toward a broader multisectoral strategy encompassing community-based interventions and socio-economic factors. Increased international collaboration signifies growing global awareness of the necessity for integrated, holistic policy frameworks. Future research should emphasize qualitative methods to understand local contexts, assess the practical implications of policy implementation barriers, and explore digital technology applications to enhance intervention effectiveness. Collectively, these findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners, guiding the development of sustainable, community-focused strategies to reduce stunting globally.