Factors Affecting Alpha-1 Acid Clycoprotein (AGP) Levels in Stunting and Non-Stunting Toddlers in Numba District

Stunting remains a major public health problem in Indonesia and is closely associated with chronic inflammation. Alpha-1 Acid Glycoprotein (AGP) has emerged as a biomarker reflecting systemic inflammation, although its role among stunted and non-stunted children remains insufficiently understood. This study aimed to analyze factors associated with AGP levels and compare inflammatory status between stunted and non-stunted toddlers in Numba District, Tolikara Regency. A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted involving 60 toddlers aged 36–60 months selected through total sampling, comprising 30 stunted and 30 non-stunted children. AGP concentrations were measured using the ELISA method. Nutritional intake, history of infection, parenting practices, socioeconomic status, maternal education, and environmental conditions were analyzed using Fisher's Exact Test, Pearson Chi-Square, Risk Ratio, and Odds Ratio. Nutritional intake, history of infection, parenting practices, socioeconomic status, and environmental conditions were significantly associated with AGP levels in both groups (p<0.05), whereas maternal education showed no significant association (p=0.999). AGP inflammation was identified in 16.7% of stunted children and 40.0% of non-stunted children. Pearson Chi-Square analysis demonstrated a significant difference in AGP status between groups (p=0.045). Elevated AGP among non-stunted children indicates that subclinical inflammation may precede anthropometric manifestations of stunting. These findings emphasize that normal linear growth does not necessarily reflect optimal biological health and support AGP as an early biomarker for identifying children at future risk of growth impairment. Chronic inflammation is influenced by nutritional, infectious, socioeconomic, parenting, and environmental factors regardless of nutritional status. Integrating AGP assessment into child health surveillance may strengthen early detection and improve comprehensive strategies for stunting prevention in high-risk communities.